Policy and Guidelines regarding:

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

I.          Purpose

The purpose of this policy regarding All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is to establish guidelines for the proper use of ATVs as patrol vehicles on the University of West Georgia campus.

II.        Policy

Prior to operating an ATV, officers must successfully complete the requirements of the departmental training course. This mandatory (4) hour course is administered by the Department’s ATV Safety Institute Instructor. There will be no leisure riding of ATVs with the exception of the ATV Safety class.

Non-bike patrol officers will wear assigned Class B patrol uniforms (long pants and choice of short or long sleeve shirt), Class A uniforms will not be worn while using ATVs. Bike patrol officers will wear assigned bike patrol uniforms. Bike patrol officers will be assigned an ATV helmet for their use. Non-bike officers will have helmets available for their use, which is to be cleaned with soap and water at the end of duty.

The areas to be patrolled will be designated by the Chief of Police or his designee. These areas include, but are not limited to, patrol of Residence Halls, academic buildings, and walking trails. The Bike Patrol unit will have precedence for the ATVs during their scheduled shift. Otherwise, the ATVs may be used by the uniform division for general patrol. ATVs are not to be considered as primary patrol vehicles. Any problems or maintenance issues will be reported to the ATV Safety Instructor and an Immediate Supervisor in writing via e-mail. The Bike patrol Supervisor and Uniform Lieutenant will be copied on the e-mail.

III.       ATVs regarding O.C.G.A.

The ATVs may be used on the roads of the UWG campus pursuant to O.C.G.A. 40-7-3. This code section defines off-road vehicles, which are not allowed on public streets, but exempts law enforcement vehicles. ATV riders will, as always, use due regard in accordance with O.C.G.A. 40-6-6, under authorized emergency and law enforcement vehicles. All emergency equipment should be activated when “responding to an emergency call, when in pursuit of an actual suspect or violator of the law, or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm” (O.C.G.A. 40-6-6 (a)). There will be no pursuits of motor vehicles while on ATVs. ATV riding officers will not initiate felony traffic stops.

IV.       Special Events and Details

ATVs will be used for various special events and details. Officers may be assigned to work special events using ATVs. This assignment may come from the Chief of Police or his designee and/or the Patrol Division Lieutenant. In the event that an officer is working a detail and does not wish to take his/her POV to the event location, an ATV may be used if it does not conflict with a scheduled shift and/or event.

V.        Pre-Ride Procedures

Each officer will be knowledgeable of ATVs and the safety procedures associated with them. Prior to duty on an ATV, each officer must perform a pre-ride inspection of the ATV using T-CLOC method described in the ATV Safety Rider Course.

T = Tires and Wheels (air pressure, condition, wheel bearings, lug nuts, etc.)
C = Controls and Cables (location, operation, throttle, brakes, shifter)
L = Lights and Electrics (Ignition switch, engine stop switch, light)
O = Oil and Fuel (levels, vents, air filter, fuel supply valve)
C = Chain/Driveshaft, Chassis and Suspension (free play, condition/lubrication/wear, bolts)

Any problems noted during the inspection will be reported as noted in Section II of this policy. The ATV will not be operated if any condition exists which affects the safety of the unit or could cause damage to the vehicle if not repaired prior to operation.

VI.       Ride Procedures

All officers will be familiar with the “SIPDE” strategy as taught in ATV safety class, when riding. This strategy will help to prevent potential risks and accidents.

S = Scan/Search
I = Identify Hazards
P = Predict what may happen
D = Decide what to
E = Execute your decision

Officers will “tread lightly” at all times when riding ATVs. This term means taking the environment, turf, grass around buildings, and land surface into consideration when operating an ATV.

Any non-professional operation of the ATVs (“horseplay,” intentional destruction of property/turf/trees, intentional destruction of the ATV, or reckless behavior) will not be tolerated. Any such conduct will be reported immediately to the ATV Safety Instructor and the contravening officer’s immediate supervisor. All privileges to operate ATVs will be immediately suspended, pending re-completion of ATV Safety Course and approval from his/her immediate supervisor. The officer is also subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Department.

In the event of an accident involving an ATV, the riding officer will notify an immediate supervisor and request Carrollton Police to make an accident report.

VII.     Post-Ride Procedures

At the end of duty, the officer operating the ATV will re-fuel as well as clean/rinse any dirt, dust, or mud collected during tour of duty. The ATV will then be parked behind the North Precinct building in the locked and gated area. After parking, the ATV is to be covered with the provided tarp for inclement weather protection. Keys are to then be placed back in the key lock box for the next officer to obtain.

VII.     Receipt of Guidelines and Policy

Prior to ATV riding privileges beginning, each officer shall receive a copy of the above guidelines and sign a Receipt of Guidelines.