8AAGENDA ITEM #SA
OCTOBER 27, 2003
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Expansion of Police "Take Home Car" Program
SUBMITTED BY: Public Safety
DATE: October 16, 2003
BACKGROUND;
The Atlantic Beach Police Department has a Take Home/Personal Use Car Plan that was
instituted in 1996. The Department's present boundaries are limited to the City limits of
Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, and the Mayport area. This excludes officers living in the
areas of Jacksonville Beach, San Pablo Road, and other areas that are nearby.
In addition to other practical advantages, this plan was implemented to make the department more
competitive with surrounding agencies that already had such programs. This plan enhanced the
recruitment and retention of officers, and it has resulted in improved maintenance and longer life
for the vehicles. It also provides additional officers available for responding to emergencies, and
it provide necessary transportation for major events such as the Sea and Air Show.
The surrounding agencies have modified their Take Home Car Plans to increase the boundaries
for assignment and use of the cars. The new guidelines have typically been established by
setting a five (5) mile radius from the city limits of each city. If we are to compete for
recruitment of officers, and to assist in retention of our present officers, the Atlantic Beach policy
is in need of revision.
Offcers are not entitled to a vehicle. A take home car is a privilege not an entitlement. The
Director of Public Safety or his designee, assign vehicles on an assignment need and vehicle
availability basis.
BUDGET: With the acquisition of vehicles in this year's budget, and the vehicles in the present
fleet, the Department can establish and implement the modifications to the plan as set forth
below. The modifications can be implemented and funded in the present budget without
additional funding.
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend that the boundaries in which officers must live and use Take Home Cars, be
modified to include the areas within five (5) miles of the city limits of Atlantic Beach.
ATTACHMENTS: None
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER: