PROFILES:
PFM Goes One-on-One with Fleet Managers Across the Country
POLICE FLEET MANAGER GOES ONE-ON-ONE WITH FLEET MANAGERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY PFM FALL 2021 BY POLICE FLEET MANAGER STAFF
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olice vehicles are integral to law enforcement agencies operating efficiently and effectively. Officers spend a lot of time in their patrol cars, and they have become a mobile office in many respects. Managing these fleets is a major responsibility, regardless if an agency is small or large. Although terrain and weather conditions might impact the wear and tear on police vehicles, there are several other issues that can affect any department’s fleet, whether it is located on the East Coast, West Coast, or in the Midwest. After a successful Police Fleet Expo 2021, Police Fleet Manager talked to more fleet managers about how their jobs have changed over the past several years and the topics they are most concerned about.
A: Pretty much the list you gave as examples and in the order you have them in: Manufacturer reps who call or visit the department Trade Shows (like PFE) Trade Magazines (like PFM) Email Solicitation (notices in your email about a new product) Mail (postcards, flyers) Colleagues (other Fleet Managers) Q: Who actually makes the vehicle purchasing decisions within your agency? A: I do, I review the vehicles in the fleet and present our needs to my chain of command. Then based on our budget, we may adjust the number of vehicles that get replaced each year.
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Dave Henrichs Fleet Administrator Sarasota County, FL Sheriff’s Office Question: How long have you been a Fleet Manager? Answer: I have been a fleet manager for 14 years. I have been with the agency for more than 38 years. Q: What are a few of your key, primary responsibilities? A: Overseeing the purchasing of vehicles, emergency equipment, vehicle parts, fuel, and more. Q: If you had to pick one or two fleet-related issues that “keep you up on a Sunday night,” what would they be? A: Currently, it is the lack of vehicle availability due to the microchip shortage. Q: Have you ever been to Police Fleet Expo? If so, what was your experience like? A: Yes, I have been attending since it started, with the exception of the last two years due to the pandemic. It is an excellent conference/expo. Q: How do you keep up on new vehicles, new vehicle equipment, and new products in the market? 10 Police Fleet Manager Fall 2021
Q: Who makes the following purchasing decisions in your agency regarding the following items: Vehicles Radios Body Cameras Rugged Laptops or other items for the vehicle Lightbars and other exterior equipment for the vehicle A: I do, for most everything vehicle and equipment related. Q: Is it difficult to get vehicles or vehicle parts right now, due to the supply chains being disrupted during the pandemic? A: Yes, it has been challenging for a lot of various parts. Q: Is hiring good, qualified personnel to work within the fleet departments a problem? Do you have several vacancies? A: Currently, we have a full staff. But yes, it can be difficult to find qualified staff. We hired both an automotive technician and an emergency equipment installer last year. It was difficult to fill both positions with a qualified person. Q: Are the costs of maintaining a fleet of vehicles coming in higher than other years or about the same? A: Yes, everything has gone up, the lack of supply versus demand. Q: How are you handling all the new technology in the vehicles today? Is it making your job easier or more complicated? A: A little of both; we are very fortunate to have a very qualified, great, smart group of people that take a lot of pride in their jobs.
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