This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
D. Radio Procedures while Off-Duty
Routine radio procedures shall be followed by off-duty personnel operating a police vehicle.
1. While off-duty personnel operating an assigned vehicle shall keep the police radio on at all times
and remain alert to radio traffic. Personnel should monitor the channel assigned to the precinct in
which they operate their vehicle.
2. Call Signs
a. Off-duty officers operating marked vehicles will use their computer number preceded by the
number nine as their unit identifier (i.e., an officer assigned computer number 00269 would
become unit 90269).
b. All other personnel operating police vehicles will continue to use their assigned radio call
sign when off-duty.
3. Off-duty personnel shall keep radio traffic to a minimum. Contact with the Communications
Division will be made only when police activity is initiated.
4. When circumstances dictate, supervisors or Communications Division personnel may request the
location of off-duty units.
E. Vehicle Operation
1. Police vehicles will only be operated by authorized police personnel. Non-departmental
personnel (i.e., family members) may not be transported in police vehicles on or off-duty unless
specifically authorized by the Chief of Police.
2. Officers operating a police vehicle off-duty are not expected to enforce all traffic laws; however,
when officers observe a flagrant violation within the City limits (including running a red light),
they are expected to take the appropriate action. Officers may not initiate traffic stops or
proactive enforcement actions using their take-home vehicle outside the City limits unless the
circumstances are life-threatening.
3. Officers operating marked vehicles are expected to render appropriate aid when they observe
someone needing assistance (i.e., a crash just occurred, a vehicle broken down in an unsafe
location) or are requested to assist. Officers should stand by until they are relieved or are no
longer needed.
4. An off-duty officer operating a take-home vehicle will respond to calls for service within the
jurisdiction of the City of Newport News, where their response may result in the prevention of a
crime or perpetrator arrest unless a supervisor or Communications Division personnel cancel the
response. The officer will:
a. Notify the Communications Division of their proximity to the incident;
b. Respond as if they were on duty (i.e., all department directives, policies, and procedures shall
be adhered to);
c. Disengage their response when canceled by a supervisor or the Communications Division.
5. Employees will not assume special privileges, including exceeding posted speed limits, parking
in restricted zones, or violating traffic regulations.
6. Officers assigned a vehicle shall make no alterations to their vehicle that affects the appearance,
structure, or operation of installed police equipment. Factory-equipped radios may be installed in
police vehicles by authorized personnel.
7. Sworn personnel can use their assigned vehicle to attend department-sanctioned training and
approved college courses.
ADM-545 3 of 5– 03/13/2023Jump to an indexed page (5 of 5)