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Police Operations and Data Analysis Report, Morgan Hill, California
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The city of Morgan Hill does not maintain a city-wide fleet services section. Each city department is
responsible for purchase, maintenance, and disposition of its fleet utilizing an annual budget
allocation. The Field Operations captain is designated as the MHPD fleet manager. The
administrative sergeant handles the day-to-day fleet issues, including maintenance needs. The
sergeant is assisted by MSOs and volunteers. Fleet use and maintenance is governed by two MHPD
policies, Vehicle Use 706 and Vehicle Maintenance 704.
MHPD preventive maintenance and vehicle repair is contracted with a local vehicle service
company. Currently, the service company tracks the MHPD fleet maintenance requirements and
coordinates with the department to ensure vehicle service is timely. The department has recently
joined with the fire department to begin using a software program that will provide vehicle
maintenance and repair tracking to improve management oversight of the fleet. It is expected that
the software will be implemented in the near future.
According to the fleet manager, the MHPD fleet is in good condition and vehicles average fewer than
100,000 miles. In 2015 a new fleet replacement schedule was adopted; it provides for replacement
every six to ten years based on the projected service life of each vehicle. An annual fund allocation
is based on the replacement cost of the vehicle plus an inflation factor. This budgeting method
provides monies to pay for vehicles in full at the time of purchase, eliminating financing costs. The
fleet manager indicated future plans for the department fleet include transitioning to Ford
Explorers and adding new equipment such as an updated computer package, LoJack tracking, and
AVLR readers. MHPD personnel will benefit by being equipped with highly serviceable vehicles well
into the future.
Recommendation:
Ensure vehicle maintenance and repair software is installed and utilized to improve fleet
service oversight.
Information Deployment
The MHPD’s information technology needs are managed by the Support Services manager. MHPD’s
information technology support is semi-integrated with the city of Morgan Hill’s Information
Services Division, which provides electronic data processing, Internet and Intranet systems to
MHPD. A city information services technician provides part-time support to the police department.
MHPD has obtained and implemented a number of technology software and hardware
enhancements for the benefit of its personnel and the public. Currently, mobile computers are
deployed in patrol units. These computers utilize the EIS platform, which links the patrol units to
the CAD and RMS functions, and other MHPD operations. Patrol units also have electronic citation
capability through the ECite system. Staff reports that tablets are being purchased to replace
current hardware deployed by traffic and MSO units. Three patrol units and a mobile trailer are
equipped with Automated License Plate Readers. Detectives have been provided GPS tracker
devices, body wires, and cell phone investigative tools.