Effective Date: 10/4/00

Series: Law Enforcement and Security

Part 446: Law Enforcement

Chapter 12: Equipment and Vehicles

Originating Office: Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety

12.1 Purpose. This chapter establishes uniform policy concerning law enforcement equipment and vehicles used by all employees of the Department of the Interior (Department) who are engaged in law enforcement duties.

12.2 Policy. Equipment within each bureau/office shall be standardized except where special purposes require deviations.

12.3 Responsibilities.

A. Bureau/office heads with law enforcement responsibility will implement the provisions of this chapter and promulgate any other regulations consistent with their law enforcement program.

B. Law enforcement units shall adhere to Departmental minimum standards for equipment and shall conduct an annual review to ensure compliance.

12.4 Law Enforcement Equipment.

A. Law enforcement personnel require certain equipment as tools of their profession; such as, service firearms, handcuffs, batons, defensive chemical agents, motor vehicles, radios, soft body armor, helmets and, where required, distinctive uniforms. The procurement of such equipment shall be afforded special consideration notwithstanding budgetary restrictions and economy-related goals.

B. Auxiliary and administrative services shall likewise require equipment such as files, computers, office furnishings and other related equipment that will provide for proper record keeping, communications and services to the line operations.

12.5 Standards for Law Enforcement Equipment. The following equipment standards are established for routine law enforcement services. Bureaus/offices may deviate from these standards when unique circumstances warrant use of other specialized equipment. Such deviations will be reported in writing to the Director, Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety (MRPS), and will have the concurrence of the bureau/office's procurement officials.

A. Uniforms. The design, material, color, style, and wearing of the uniform is at the discretion of each bureau/office. For those personnel required to wear uniforms, more than one type of uniform may be authorized by the Law Enforcement Administrator, provided standards for its use are prescribed in writing. The uniform, when worn, will be standardized, insofar as practicable, within the organization and display distinctive identification to insure that those wearing such uniforms are easily recognized as law enforcement officers by the general public. Uniforms, when worn, will positively identify the wearer as a law enforcement officer. Badge, nameplate and bureau/office emblem must be visible at all times. Uniforms of all non-law enforcement personnel shall be plainly distinguishable from the uniforms of law enforcement officers.

B. Individual Issue. At a minimum, the following equipment will be standard issue to all law enforcement officers assigned to perform law enforcement duties:

- Handgun,

- Ammunition and pouch(es),

- Holster and belt unit,

- Handcuffs and case,

- Badge and/or credentials,

- Soft-body armor/protective vest,

- Baton, and

- Chemical weapon.

C. Firearms and Ammunition. For law enforcement purposes, each bureau/office may issue or authorize the purchase or carrying of firearms conforming to bureau/office specifications. Standards for firearms and ammunition are contained in 446 DM 10.

D. Chemical Agents.

(1) Liquid CN (teargas spray), or liquid CS (irritant agent spray).

(2) Teargas and smoke grenades/foggers.

(3) Oleoresin Capsicum.

E. Batons.

(1) Regular police baton, 23-26 inches in length.

(2) Riot baton, 30-36 inches in length.

(3) Side-handle baton.

(4) Extendible (telescoping) baton.

F. Restraining Devices.

(1) Handcuffs - commercial police type with standard double lock.

(2) Plastic disposable cuffs.

(3) Leg irons - standard police type.

(4) Restraining belts - standard police type, leather or chain with metal D ring.

G. Safety Helmets.

(1) Riot Helmets - police type, with foam padded comfort liner, full flip-up face shield (screw attachments are recommended) which will be suitable in all weather conditions, adjustable air intake vents, chin harness and safety strap.

(2) Motorcycle Helmets - will meet Federal specifications and be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

12.6 Standards for Law Enforcement Vehicles. The following standards are established for routine law enforcement vehicles. Bureaus/offices may deviate from these standards when unique circumstances warrant use of other specialized vehicles.

A. All vehicles used for law enforcement purposes shall be clearly identifiable to the public as law enforcement vehicles, except vehicles used for investigations, surveillance, undercover or administrative purposes. All vehicles will be properly equipped to perform assigned functions efficiently and safely.

B. Each motor vehicle acquired will be limited to the minimum body and engine size necessary to fulfill the operational need for which that vehicle is to be used.

C. Designated law enforcement vehicles such as sedans, station wagons, and motorcycles will be equipped, as required, to meet the needs of a bureau/office. Special equipment such as pickup trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles are authorized within the bureau or office, according to need.

D. Vehicles used by each bureau/office specifically for law enforcement activities shall meet the standards established by the General Services Administration and be uniformly marked as law enforcement vehicles, except when deviations are required for investigative purposes, according to bureau/office standards and with the concurrence of the Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety. Gasoline requirements shall receive priorities as do other emergency functions.

E. Periodic maintenance and related records will be the responsibility of the bureau/office. Centralized, decentralized, or contractual maintenance will be at the discretion of the bureau/office in conformance with their law enforcement program. Each vehicle operator will assure that all mechanical, safety, and special equipment is operational at all times. Any deficiencies will be immediately corrected or reported through channels for repair or replacement.

10/4/00 #3337

Replaces 9/21/93 #446-1