The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department General Order 4.16 establishes policies for operating police vehicles. It requires that all personnel operate vehicles with due regard for safety and obey all traffic laws. It defines clearly marked, semi-marked, and unmarked vehicles. The order provides licensing requirements for drivers and safety protocols. It also establishes guidelines for equipment, general operations, emergency operations including pursuits, and use of vehicles after consuming intoxicants. The order has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and outlines the take-home vehicle program.

1. Indianapolis Metropolitan
Police Department
Police Vehicle Operations General Order 4.16
POLICY
All Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department personnel must operate department vehicles (city/county-
owned or leased) with due regard for safety of others. Employees shall obey all traffic laws when
operating department vehicles. State and local exemptions will not protect an employee from
consequences of any act involving a reckless disregard for the safety of the employee or others.
DEFINITIONS
Clearly Marked Vehicle –A city/county-owned or leased vehicle that is painted or marked with graphics to
clearly identify it as a law enforcement vehicle. The vehicle must also have a readily-apparent police
insignia visible to others, an overhead emergency light bar attached to the roof of the vehicle, and be
equipped with an audible siren. <41.3.1>
Semi-Marked Vehicle – A city/county-owned or leased vehicle that may be painted or marked with
graphics to identify it as a law enforcement vehicle, and has a readily-apparent police insignia visible to
others. The vehicle typically has inside mounted emergency lights (i.e., grill, dash, and/or deck lights),
but lacks an overhead emergency light bar attached to the roof of the vehicle.
Unmarked Vehicle –A city/county-owned or leased vehicle that is not clearly marked with painted works
or graphics and does not display a readily apparent police insignia. Although the vehicle may have
hidden emergency lights (i.e., grill, dash, or deck lights), it lacks any clearly visible emergency lights.
POLICY
I. License Requirements
A. All employees of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who drive a department vehicle
must possess and maintain a valid Indiana driver’license.
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B. Employees who drive a department vehicle are obligated to inform the department, through the
employee’ chain of command, should their driver’ license become suspended, revoked, or
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restricted in any way.
II. Vehicle Safety
A. Members operating any Department vehicle (with the exception of motorcycles), or riding as a
passenger in the front seat, shall wear safety belts and a shoulder harness (if available), as
described in applicable state law, regardless of any vehicle-type exemptions (i.e., trucks).
Passengers shall also be required to wear safety belts and any available shoulder harnesses.
These restraints shall be worn properly adjusted and securely fastened. <41.3.3>
Michael T. Spears, Chief of Police This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16- 1
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

2. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
B. Children who are 12 years of age and under, and passengers who are 13 years of age and older
but are small in stature, are not permitted to ride in the front seat of any department vehicle
equipped with passenger-side air bags. <41.3.3>
C. Infant and/or child restraint seats will not be placed in the front seat of any department vehicle.
D. Drivers must consider road, traffic, and weather conditions at all times while operating a
department vehicle.
E. Drivers must exercise due caution at all times, regardless of the nature of a run, for the protection
of life and property of the employee and others.
F. Officers exiting their vehicles at the scene of an incident should secure the vehicle, if
circumstances permit, by turning off the ignition and locking all doors.
G. Officers parking their vehicles at the scene of an incident should do so in a manner that allows
other responding emergency vehicles to enter and exit the area without delay.
H. Drivers should use care when parking their vehicles at the scene of an incident to ensure the
vehicle is not unnecessarily exposed to any danger or damage from other vehicles moving
through the area.
III. Vehicle Equipment
A. All patrol vehicles shall be equipped with the following minimum equipment: <41.3.2>
1. Emergency Lights and Siren
2. Public Address System
3. Spot light or Alley Lights
4. First Aid Kit
5. Fire Extinguisher
6. Emergency Flares
7. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kit – Includes WMD Bio-Hazard Suit, Gas Mask,
Filters, Goggles, Gloves, and Surgical-type Mask. (If kit was issued to officer)
8. Reflective Safety Vest <61.3.2.g>
9. Emergency Blanket
10. Other equipment authorized by the member’district or division commander
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B. The member shall be responsible for maintaining the equipment in a safe and working condition.
If the equipment is used or becomes inoperable, the member will be responsible for replacing the
item as soon as possible. The member must report to the appropriate office or facility, depending
on the item or equipment being repaired or replaced (e.g., Fleet Services, Property Room, etc.),
and comply with the established repair/replacement system guidelines. If there are any questions,
the officer should contact their first-line supervisor for further direction or clarification. < 41.3.2>
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-2
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

3. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
IV. General Guidelines
A. Officers must carry a department radio, approved firearm, and police identification at all times
when operating a department vehicle. These items must be secured appropriately if not carried
on the officer’person while out of the vehicle, with the trunk being the preferred location.
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B. Officers will assist with any incident or situation requiring immediate action. This may include
situations such as: providing first aid to victims; securing a hazardous scene until an on-duty
officer arrives; or taking appropriate action during the commission of a felony or other serious
offense. However, passenger safety is a primary concern over intervention or apprehension.
Officers should use common sense and proper discretion when deciding whether to take action if
there are passengers in the vehicle. Off-duty pursuits with civilian passengers in the vehicle are
strictly prohibited.
C. Officers must be dressed in a reasonable and appropriate manner when operating the vehicle.
Attire should not cause embarrassment to the department (i.e., no short shorts, halter-tops, tank
tops, etc.). Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
D. Officers no longer participating in the take-home car program due to reassignment, retirement, or
separation are responsible for notifying the fleet management office to make all necessary
arrangements for turning in the vehicle, keys, gas card, etc.
E. Department vehicles may be used for off-duty employment within the restrictions of current
written directives regarding off-duty/extra-duty employment, provided the employment generally
benefits the citizens of Indianapolis-Marion County.
1. Officers must request approval to use their department vehicle for off-duty employment
purposes by submitting an off-duty work permit, through the proper chain of command, as
required in the Off-Duty/Extra-Duty Employment general order. If necessary, officer may
attach an additional page to explain the purpose and extent to which the vehicle will be used.
2. Officers approved to use a department vehicle for off-duty employment must monitor the
police radio channel covering the geographic area in which they are working. On-duty
supervisors are responsible for monitoring all officers working off-duty employment within
their district or jurisdiction.
3. Officers may be financially responsible for all damage to the vehicle resulting from off-duty/
extra-duty employment.
4. The officer may be required to reimburse the department for use of the vehicle for off-duty/
extra-duty employment.
F. Officers on extended absence over 21 days will secure their take-home vehicle at the fleet
management office or a district headquarters. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by
the officer’division commander. Officers on leave for 21 days or less may secure their vehicle
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at their residence, however the vehicle must be locked and keys secured in a separate location.
G. District commanders retain the authority to temporarily reassign a department take-home vehicle,
if necessary. Notification must be made to the fleet management office regarding any changes in
the temporary reassignment of the vehicle.
H. Each car will be equipped with a spare tire and jack. When off-duty, officers will be responsible
for changing the tires when necessary. The only exception is when the officer is preparing to
report for work or court for the department.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-3
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

4. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
V. Emergency Operations <41.2.1>
A. Emergency Operation
1. Department vehicles must be operated under emergency conditions only when the officer is
responding to a reported or confirmed emergency situation, or when properly operating under
pursuit conditions. Officers should refer to general order regarding Vehicle Pursuits.
2. When operating a police vehicle under emergency conditions, the emergency lights and siren
must be utilized.
3. An officer may disregard an automatic traffic control signal or stop sign only when responding
to an emergency situation or when properly operating a department vehicle under pursuit
conditions may. In both instances, the officer must approach the intersection with caution
and be prepared to stop. The officer may proceed only when it is safe by clearing the
intersection lane by lane.
4. Police vehicles approaching an automatic traffic control signal or intersecting street controlled
by a stop sign must be prepared to take evasive action and brake, if necessary. The police
vehicle operator must proceed with caution.
5. Any officer operating a police vehicle under emergency conditions will cease emergency
operation once notification is made that sufficient assistance is on the scene.
6. Specialty unit officers may continue to proceed under emergency conditions after being
notified sufficient assistance is on the scene only if it is determined that a specialty skill is
necessary as approved by the appropriate supervisor.
7. The first officer arriving on the scene of an incident must evaluate the situation and advise
control operators to disregard officers and equipment not needed. Units that have been
disregarded will not proceed to the scene.
B. Silent Runs
1. A silent run is the operation of a police vehicle under emergency conditions utilizing
emergency lights, but no siren or other audible signal.
2. Silent runs are authorized for the following:
a. Robberies in progress;
b. Burglaries in progress; or
c. Situations in which the officer determines, through his training, experience, and judgment,
require a silent run response.
3. When on a silent run, the officer must:
a. Stop at all stop signs and traffic signals, proceeding only when it is safe by clearing the
intersection lane by lane; and
b. Operate with extreme caution at a reasonable speed which will not endanger the life and
property of others.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-4
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

5. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
VI. Use of a City-Owned Vehicle After Consuming Intoxicants
A. Department personnel, in both an on-duty and off-duty status, are prohibited from operating any
city-owned vehicle after taking any restrictive prescription medication or chemical intoxicant.
B. Department personnel, in both an on-duty and off-duty status, are strictly prohibited from
operating any city-owned vehicle with any traceable amount of alcohol as determined by a
chemical test.
C. The following Zero Tolerance Policy will be administered for any violation:
ST ND RD
1 2 3
VIOLATION OFFENSE OFFENSE OFFENSE
Operation of a personally-owned vehicle with 10 - Day 30 - Day
DISMISSAL
BAC above .08% and/or arrest for DWI Suspension Suspension
Operation of a city-owned vehicle with ANY
10 - Day 30 - Day
detectable amount of alcohol as determined by DISMISSAL
Suspension Suspension
a chemical test.
Refusal to submit to breath test requested by a
45 - Day
law enforcement officer or as ordered by an IPD DISMISSAL
Suspension
supervisor while driving a city-owned vehicle
Refusal to submit to breath test requested by
15 - Day 30 - Day
law enforcement officer while driving a DISMISSAL
Suspension Suspension
personally-owned vehicle
Involvement in accident in a City-Owned vehicle 30 - Day
DISMISSAL
with ANY detectable amount of alcohol Suspension
Operation of a city-owned vehicle with a BAC 30 - Day
DISMISSAL
of .08% or above Suspension
Involvement in any preventable accident in a 45 - Day
DISMISSAL
city-owned vehicle with BAC of .08% or above Suspension
► Alup ni d y aea ta w ri d y (o cl d r a s a daemimu sn t n
l se s n a s r c l ok g a s n t a n a d y) n r n m a co s
s o u n e i i
1. Mandatory alcohol counseling is an additional requirement for all violations.
2. Violations committed while driving a department vehicle will also result in the loss of take-
home car privileges, as well as ineligibility for transfer/reassignment for a period of one year.
3. Officers on a promotional candidate list will be ineligible for promotion for a period of one year
from date of the offence.
4. Officers may be personally responsible for reimbursing the city/county for all damages
caused while operating a department vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol.
NOTE: Officers working in an undercover capacity may be exempted from this directive by
the respective division commander when the exemption is necessary to maintain an
undercover status. Exemptions will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be no
broader than necessary. Exempted officers who have consumed an alcoholic
beverage are still prohibited from using deadly force, except in self-defense or in
defense of a third person.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-5
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

6. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
VII. Take-Home Vehicle Program
A. A department vehicle may only be operated by an authorized employee of the Indianapolis
Metropolitan Police Department. The vehicle may be driven inside Marion County and within the
seven adjoining counties. Vehicles will be permitted outside of the approved counties only upon
written approval of the Chief of Police. This may include training or schools to be attended by
department employees.
B. Residence Requirements
1. On March 14, 1996, IC 36-8-4-2 was enacted, which allows officers to maintain their
residences outside of Marion County, but within the seven contiguous counties.
2. Officers who moved their residence outside of Marion County after March 14, 1996, and new
officers residing outside of Marion County, are not eligible to participate in the take-home car
program. Officers not participating in the take-home car program will be assigned a district or
branch pool vehicle for their duty assignment.
C. Special-Duty Positions
1. Officers who live outside of Marion County, but are assigned to special-duty positions
authorized by the Chief of Police, will be allowed to park their department vehicle at their
residence. These special positions (i.e., SWAT) require the officer to have special equipment
and communications needs in the vehicle in order to be most effective.
2. Any officer who meets the above criteria will have restricted use of the take-home vehicle.
They may use the vehicle only for department purposes, such as driving to and from work,
court (while representing the department), or responding to the scene of a special-duty call-
up. These officers may not use their vehicles for off-duty employment or for any personal
reasons. Any violation of these stipulations will result in revocation of the take-home vehicle
for the duration of the officer’out-of-county residence status.
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3. Officers living outside of Marion County will not be allowed to apply for any special-duty
position requiring use of a department vehicle. Officers presently assigned to such a position
who decide to move out of Marion County will be removed from that special-duty position.
The special-duty positions covered by this directive will be determined and approved by the
Chief of Police.
D. Take–Home Vehicle Policy Violations
Officers found in violation of the department’ take-home vehicle residency requirements will be
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subject to the following disciplinary action:
1. A MINIMUM suspension without pay of 10 working (not calendar) days;
2. Reassignment; and
3. Permanent exclusion from the take home car program, even if the officer returns to re-
establish residence inside Marion County.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-6
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

7. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
VIII.Escorts <61.3.3>
A. Permitted Escorts
1. Law enforcement escorts may be provided for high-profile dignitaries when requested and
approved by the Chief of Police or designee. <61.3.3.a>
2. Officers may provide escorts for license branches, banks, and other financial institutions
moving large amounts of money or other valuables.
3. Officers may provide emergency escorts for blood bank and donor-organ deliveries.
4. Escorts will not be furnished for private enterprises, persons, or parties without prior written
permission from the District Commander.
5. Escorts for civilian vehicles during a medical emergency are generally prohibited. <61.3.3.b>
a. If medical assistance is needed, the officer shall contact Communications by radio and
request an ambulance.
b. In extreme circumstances, such as a natural or man-made disaster where there are no
other medical resources available, the officer may provide an escort for a civilian vehicle,
but only upon receiving permission from a district supervisor.
6. District Commanders, the commander of the Traffic Branch, and in extreme situations, field
supervisors, have the authority to grant permission for escorts for the following:
a. Community events
b. Funerals
c. Extreme emergencies
d. Military convoys
e. Explosive Convoys
B. Escort Procedures
1. The request must be made through the officer’field supervisor.
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2. District units must mark out of service on all escorts.
3. For permitted escorts, the officer may either follow the individual with the valuables or
transport the person in a police vehicle. This decision will be left to the officer’discretion.
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a. If the officer transports the person requesting the escort, a waiver must be signed and
forwarded to the officer’commander.
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b. A waiver, which must be renewed annually, may be signed by the branch manager,
owner of the business, etc., and filed at the appropriate district office.
4. Officers are prohibited from transporting any valuables or money without an employee from
the business accompanying the officer.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-7
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

8. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
IX. Care and Maintenance of Department Vehicles
A. General Guidelines
1. Officers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining the equipment and supplies required
by written directives for their vehicles.
2. An officer may install additional equipment on his/her vehicle if it meets OSHA standards and
does not interfere with the operation of the airbag system. All equipment additions and/or
modifications must be requested in writing and approved by the Deputy Chief of the
Administration Division prior to installation of the equipment on the vehicle. Upon approval,
the requesting officer will be notified of the date and time for the installation. All work will be
completed by IMPD fleet technicians or at the direction of the fleet manager. Any exceptions
to this list must be approved by the fleet manager.
Permitted Equipment
•Replacement Light Bars (with approval) •Rechargeable flashlights
•Rear deck lights • radios
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•Grill lights •Cellular phones
•Dash lights •Department-owned trailer hitches
•Pop-in strobe lights •Add-on satellite radios
•Arrow sticks └Must be OSHA Compliant
•Magnetic, clip-on, or mirror glass-mounted antennas, when necessary
•Department-approved IMPD-related license plates, emblems, or decals
•2-Way Radios –Subject to Section IX.A.3. (see next page)
Prohibited Equipment
•Boom boxes (extra speakers) •Drilling of holes
•Radio equalizers (factory radios only) •Objects dangling from rearview mirror
•Cargo protruding from trunk, except when necessary for IMPD purposes
•Any other equipment not specifically authorized in this directive or by division commander
•Window Tinting –Except as permitted for those special units authorized by the Chief of
Police. Tinting must meet state and local legal requirements.
3. Personally Owned Two-Way Radios
a. Employees wanting to install and/or use two-way radio communications equipment that
requires a state or federal license to operate must have:
(1) Written permission from the Deputy Chief of Administration; and
(2) Necessary license(s) required by the Federal Communications Commission to legally
operate such two-way radio equipment.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-8
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.

9. General Order 4.16 Police Vehicle Operations
b. Approved two-way radios must be installed by IMPD Fleet Technicians to ensure proper
wiring and to avoid interference with the airbag, as well as other communications
equipment (e.g. MDT).
c. Personnel found in violation of this directive or Federal Communications Commission
laws and regulations will face disciplinary action.
4. Officers may have their name (i.e., John Smith or Officer John Smith), lettered beneath the
window of the driver’ door. The lettering must not exceed one inch in height and must be
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neatly and professionally done. Nicknames are prohibited. Altering or removing confidential
numbers, decals, or license plates is also prohibited.
5. Non-approved bumper stickers, decals, or emblems will not be affixed to any department
vehicle. Stuffed animals, toys, or other decorations will not be placed on or in any department
vehicle without permission from the Chief of Police.
6. Officers are responsible for maintaining the entire vehicle in a clean condition and will ensure
the vehicle receives preventive maintenance as scheduled. Vehicles must have preventive
maintenance performed as directed by Fleet Services and should be serviced, fueled, and
washed during on-duty time. No overtime compensation will be allowed for preventive
maintenance, car washes, or fueling of take-home vehicles.
7. Officers are responsible for the condition and security of all equipment stored or carried in the
trunk of the department vehicle. This includes weapons, shotguns, SWAT gear, camera
equipment, radar gear, etc. All equipment stored or carried in the trunk must be visually
checked weekly for signs of moisture, rust, corrosion, etc. This is especially true for
equipment that is inside another case or container. Officers may be held personally
responsible for any damage caused by neglecting to inspect, clean, or maintain any
department equipment in their care.
B. Vehicle Gas Cards
1. Gas cards are assigned to all department vehicles allowing employees to obtain fuel at Fleet
Services or other authorized fuel sites.
2. Lost gas cards should be reported as outlined in written directives covering lost/stolen
city/county property.
3. City policy mandates that those officers assigned flex-fuel capable vehicles must use ethanol
(E85) fuel.
Michael T. Spears, Chief This General Order supersedes all prior rules, Page 4.16-9
Effective: 02/08/2007 regulations, policies and procedures, whether
oral, written or by previous practice.