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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 WINTER 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.
LIEUTENANT PAUL (PJ) FERNANDES Assistant Fleet Manager Massachusetts State Police Question: How long have you been a Fleet Manager? Answer: I have been with the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) since 1996. I started out on the road as a trooper, then moved up to Sergeant and Lieutenant. During that time, I handled upfitting of our vehicles and was an EVOC instructor. I also was involved in the procurement and the budgeting process, which gave me a good understanding of the vehicles and how we buy them from start to finish. Since 2015, I have been the Assistant Fleet Manager. Q: What are a few of your key, primary responsibilities? A: Typically, the day-to-day responsibilities, what comes in for procurement as well as fuel accounts, etc. I manage and oversee what the needs are and what we are buying, and what goes into the Command Post and Special Events. I oversee basic fleet operations plus all the small things that go into a department’s fleet. We have six different garages, as our fleet has 3,200 vehicles total, with 1,600 of them in front-line patrol. The remainder are administrative, trailers, generators, and heavy-duty vehicles.
26 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2021
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: I try not to have anything keep me up at night, otherwise, it can drive you crazy. But if I had to pick one thing, it would probably be funding. If you don’t have money, you are out of business. You need funds to buy new cars, maintain them, and purchase equipment in order to keep officers happy. Also, we are nothing without our employees. At one point, our mechanics were underpaid, so we went to bat for them so they could negotiate a higher pay rate. Working with state budgets can be challenging. Ultimately, we want to put out a good, safe vehicle and always want to try to do better. Q: Have you ever been to Police Fleet Expo? If so, what was your experience like? A: Yes, I have been to PFE the last 5 years. I think it is the best thing going for a fleet manager. It is perfectly designed, offering everything in one place… You can see and talk to the Big 3, which is great. The clinics and sessions are so valuable because you can discuss issues in person instead of via email or phone. I always tell other fleet managers that they need to go to PFE. The last PFE in Richmond was a home run! Q: How do you keep up on new vehicles, new vehicle equipment, new products in the market? Include all that apply. A: By going to trade shows like PFE, and if I had to pick just one, it would definitely be PFE. Manufacturer rep visits can be difficult since walk-ins are hard if you are busy and not expecting a visit. However, setting a time or appointment with a rep to see the latest products up close is helpful. We usually have 3–4 reps come in per month. Email is typically better than postcards or flyers, but I do try to look at them all. In addition, I was selected to be on the Ford Police Advisory Board (PAB), and the General Motors Law Enforcement Council, both an honor I take very seriously. I find information gathered from these meetings extremely interesting. Also, talking to colleagues helps with learning new tools of the trade. Just because you have done something for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a better way. Q: Who actually makes the vehicle purchasing decisions within your agency? Include all that apply. A: My boss, the fleet manager, makes the purchasing decisions. We sit down and look at the department needs and formulate a plan that works best with the available funding.
