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 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. Police Fleet Manager talked to several fleet managers about how their jobs have changed over the past few years and the topics they are most concerned about.
Lieutenant Randy R. Rogers Mooresville Police Department Mooresville, Indiana
Question: How long have you been a Fleet Manager? Answer: 21 years Q: What are a few of your key, primary responsibilities? A: Shift Lieutenant, upfitting the department’s vehicles, and ordering equipment for the vehicles. 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: Figuring out how I’m going to run the wiring, and where I’m going to make my connections in new model-year police vehicles. Q: Have you ever been to Police Fleet Expo? If so, what was your experience like? A: I have been attending them since the show in Louisville, Kentucky after the first show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I enjoy the shows; it’s a chance to meet other fleet managers and engineers from Ford, Chey, and Dodge.
10 Police Fleet Manager Summer 2021
Q: How do you keep up on new vehicles, new vehicle equipment, and new products in the market? A: Manufacturer reps who call or visit the department; trade shows (like Police Fleet Expo); e-mail solicitation/notices about a new product; colleagues (other Fleet Managers). Q: Who actually makes the vehicle purchasing decisions within your agency? A: The Chief Q: Who makes the following purchasing decisions in your agency regarding these items? A: Vehicles - Myself and the Chief Radios - The Chief and the head communications director Body Cameras - Me, the Captain, and the Chief Rugged Laptops or other items for the vehicle - Me, the Chief, and the head communications director Lightbars and other exterior equipment for the vehicle - Me and the Chief 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 definitely been a challenge. For example, we have been waiting on cages for our canine units for two months. Q: Is hiring good, qualified personnel to work within the fleet departments a problem? Do you have several vacancies? A: It can be difficult finding people who want to work, since certain aspects of the upfitting job can be tedious and complicated. I have been working with the same guy for the past several years and we work well together; he has done this type of work his whole life and was previously a radio installer. Q: Are the costs of maintaining a fleet of vehicles coming in higher than other years or about the same? A: Yes, absolutely, the cost of fuel, brakes, tires, and maintenance in general is up from years past. This is partly due to the supply and demand. We typically spend approximately $6,000 for equipment on one vehicle. Q: How are you handling all the new technology in the vehicles today? Is it making your job easier or more complicated? A: I believe the newer technology has made things easier and is more
