Hamilton County Commissioners adopted an ordinance this week which, with certain exceptions, forbids off-duty or out-of-county use of county sheriff’s vehicles by unpaid reserve deputies. This includes driving to and from home.
Legally, Commissioners are custodians of all county property. The use of patrol cars by off-duty reserves has not been a general practice since a car was wrecked last year, but the policy needed to be in ordinance form, according to Commissioner Steve Dillinger.
There are circumstances in which a reserve deputy may use a county car beyond regular patrol duties in the county.
Under the ordinance a sheriff’s department car may be used in performance of law enforcement duties out of the county when authorized by the department.
No passengers shall be allowed to ride in the patrol car unless it is required due to the deputy’s law enforcement duties.
A car may be used when a uniformed reserve officer is authorized to do security duty or traffic control within the county, and a record shall be kept by the department of these activities.
The ordinance also provides that the sheriff shall advise commissioners of the number of cars assigned for use by reserves and identifying information of those vehicles.
The new ordinance took effect upon passage Feb. 12.