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HomeMy WebLinkAboutROTATION WRECKERS 14.6 TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER TITLE: ROTATION WRECKERS GENERAL ORDER: 14.6 EFFECTIVE: October 1, 1998 RESCINDS: PR-219 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS: CFA NONE PAGES: 9 CONTENTS: This order consists of the following numbered sections: I. APPLICATION II. RENEWAL OF APPLICATION III. REMOVAL AND SUSPENSION IV. INSPECTION OF WRECKERS V. WRECKER CLASSIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT VI. STORAGE FACILITIES VII. RATES VIII. ROTATION PROCEDURES IX. GENERAL X. GLOSSARY PURPOSE: To establish the Tequesta Police Department’s wrecker rotation program. SCOPE: All members of the Tequesta Police Department and all current and prospective wrecker companies and employees. It will be the responsibility of the wrecker company to comply with the provisions of this order. DISCUSSION: Motor vehicles abandoned, disabled, recovered or otherwise subject to towing and storage will be removed by rotation wrecker. It is the intention of the Tequesta Police Department that rotation wrecker companies provide safe and reliable services to the public. This procedure establishes minimum safety qualifications and mechanical standards for wrecker operators and equipment. It also establishes guidelines for removal or suspension from the program. Participation in the program is a privilege that may be withdrawn at any time. PROCEDURE: I. APPLICATION: A. The Fleet Manager (FM) will provide the application and a copy of this general order to all wrecker companies that request to be placed on the Police Department’s wrecker rotation list. B. Completed applications will include the following: G.O. 14.6 1. A complete copy, including all required documents and insurance certificates, of the Application for Towing License and Vehicle Decal filed with Palm Beach County, Florida for the same time period. (Copies of all items submitted to the County Must be attached). 2. A copy of each decal issued by Palm Beach County for every wrecker to be used in the program. 3. A copy of the towing vehicle inspection form used by Palm Beach County and the Village of Tequesta. 4. A copy of a current occupational license issued by both Palm Beach County and the Village of Tequesta. 5. The FM will determine eligibility under this procedure based on responses obtained in the above steps. 6. The FM will maintain all rotation wrecker applications and related paperwork. II. RENEWAL OF APPLICATION: The FM will deliver a complete copy of this procedure and an application to each approved wrecker service each January. Wrecker services that have not complied within 30 days will be removed from the list. III. REMOVAL AND SUSPENSION: A. Complaints against a rotation wrecker company will be investigated by the FM and documented. It is recommended, but not required, that the complaint be in writing and signed. Complaints by Police Department personnel must be in memorandum form and signed. The following may be grounds for removal or suspension of the company from the rotation list: 1. Failure to comply with the provisions of this procedure. 2. Soliciting wrecker service at the scene of a traffic crash without being called to the scene. 3. Failing to respond to calls three times within a one-month period. 4. Improperly operating the tow truck or causing additional damage when removing vehicles. 5. Removal of a wrecked vehicle before its having been investigated or cleared by a law enforcement agency. 6. Lack of professionalism to include, but not be limited to: a. A conviction, or plea of guilty, or noll contendere to any felony when the person's civil rights have not been restored. b. A conviction, or plea of guilty, or nolo contendere to any felony or a first-degree misdemeanor directly related to the business of operating a wrecker, regardless of whether civil rights have been restored. For this rule, any offense involving perjury or false statement will be considered directly related to the business of operating a wrecker. c. Responding to a call while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled or chemical substance to the extent that normal faculties are impaired. d. A conviction, or plea of guilty, or nolo contendere to the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or any controlled or chemical substance to the extent that normal faculties are impaired, or driving with an unlawful blood alcohol level. 2 G.O. 14.6 e. A conviction, or plea of guilty, or nolo contendere to any criminal traffic offense. f. Florida driver license suspended, revoked, expired, or improperly classified. g. A conviction, or plea of guilty, or nolo contendere to any crime that involves serious acts of violence, sexual abuse, armed robbery, resisting arrest (with or without violence), or an offense that involves the use of dangerous weapons or firearms. h. Occupational license suspended, revoked, or expired. 7. Providing false information or any misrepresentation to the Police Department concerning any portion of this procedure will result in the removal of the wrecker company from the rotation wrecker program. B. Each infraction will be investigated on its own merit. The FM will make the final determination on suspension, revocation or inclusion of a wrecker service or driver in the rotation program. C. This section will not restrict the Chief or his designee from removing a wrecker company from the rotation list where, in his opinion, a serious violation has occurred, the public trust has been violated, or the reputability of the wrecker company has been compromised. IV. INSPECTION OF WRECKERS: A. The FM will verify that an inspection of each wrecker company in this program was conducted by Palm Beach County and a proper towing decal issued. B. When notified of changes to wreckers of approved wrecker companies, the FM will verify that an inspection of the wreckers has been made by Palm Beach County, a proper decal has been issued, and the company has provided a copy of the Palm Beach County Towing Vehicle Inspection form and a copy of the decal issued. C. Each wrecker will be outfitted with the equipment required by this procedure. Transfer of equipment from one wrecker to another to achieve compliance is prohibited. Any such occurrence will be considered a breach of trust between the wrecker company and the Police Department and may result in the immediate suspension or removal of the wrecker service from the program. D. All rotation wreckers are subject to inspection by Police Department personnel during regular business hours or at any scene to which a wrecker has been dispatched. E. Any wrecker failing to meet standards will be immediately suspended from the program and will remain suspended until it passes inspection and is re-approved for use. It will be the responsibility of the wrecker company to correct the deficiencies and request a reinspection. F. Use of a non-approved wrecker will be considered an immediate and serious danger to public health, safety, or welfare and may result in the immediate suspension or removal of the wrecker company from the program. V. WRECKER CLASSIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: A. All classifications of wreckers will be equipped with the following minimum levels of equipment: 1. A cradle, tow plate or tow sling, which will be equipped with safety chains and constructed so it will not damage the towed vehicle. 2. Dual rear wheels. 3 G.O. 14.6 3. All wreckers will be well maintained and have the necessary lights and other equipment required by F.S. 316, (fenders, a hood, a windshield, doors, bumpers, etc.). 4. Rotating or strobe amber emergency lights conforming to state statutes will be mounted to be visible from the front, rear and sides of the wrecker. 5. Minimum of one 24-inch wide heavy-duty push broom. 6. Floodlight on the hoist. 7. One square shovel. 8. One ax. 9. One minimum 30-inch crowbar or pry-type bar. 10. One Underwriter's Laboratory approved five pounds, CO-2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher or its equivalent, any of which must have a current inspection tag attached. 11. One bolt cutter with a minimum half-inch jaw opening. 12. One pair of battery jumper cables. 13. One four-way lug wrench. 14. One flashlight. 15. One set of red reflectors. 16. Five 30-minute flares. 17. Two red flags. 18. One snatch block for each winch. The manufacturer's rating must match the winch. (Snatch blocks are not required for "roll back" wreckers.) 19. Two wheel chucks. 20. Extra towing chain, six to 8 feet long with hooks. 21. Six safety cones or triangle reflectors. 22. The name, address and telephone number of the wrecker company must be painted or permanently affixed in a conspicuous place on both sides of the truck as required by F.S. 713.78(6). a. The name must be in letters at least three inches high. b. Magnetic or removable signs or placards will not meet these requirements. B. Class A: Light duty wrecker for the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. In addition to the requirements in Section 1, light duty wreckers will meet the following specifications and equipment levels: 1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A complete, 4 G.O. 14.6 commercially manufactured boom and winch, having a manufacturer's combined rating of at least four tons, must be mounted on the chassis. Hand crank winches do not satisfy these requirements and will not be approved. 2. Minimum of 100 feet of 3/8-inch cable. 3. Vehicles equipped with wheel lifts or equivalent may also qualify as Class A tow trucks if they are equipped with a boom and all other applicable requirements are met. Wheel lifts will be rated at a minimum of 3,000 pounds lift capacity and must use wheel safety straps when only lifting vehicles by the wheels. 4. Equipped with dollies. 5. Brake lock device. C. Class "A" rollback or slide-back wrecker for the removal of cars and light duty trucks and vehicles weighting 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. In addition to the requirements outlined in Section 1, rollback and slide-back wreckers will meet the following specifications and equipment levels: 1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of at least 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with a minimum 16-foot bed, dual wheels, and 8,000-pound capacity winch. 2. Fifty feet of 3/8-inch cable. 3. Brake lock device. 4. Minimum of two-safety tie down chains at least ten feet in length. 5. Two floodlights mounted on the rear of the carrier. 6. A rollback or slide-back carrier trailer will meet the following requirements: a. A commercially manufactured carrier trailer with a rated capacity of at least 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with minimum 16-foot bed. A winch with a minimum 8,000-pound capacity. b. A minimum of 50 feet of 3/8-inch cable. c. Brakes and trailer lights that meet the minimum statutory requirements of Florida law. d. Safety chains. e. Must be towed by and used in conjunction with an approved wrecker that meets or exceeds the class of the vehicle to be towed. D. Class B: Medium duty wrecker for removal of medium duty trucks or vehicles weighing 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. In addition to requirements in Section 1, medium duty wreckers will meet the following equipment and specification levels: 1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of at least 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. 2. A complete twin winch commercially manufactured boom and winches having a manufacturer's combined rating of at least 10-ton capacity, mounted on the chassis. Class B wreckers that were previously approved at 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight may continue to be used in this class, even if sold to another approved rotation wrecker company. 3. Minimum of 100 feet of half-inch cable on each drum. 5 G.O. 14.6 4. Safety dollies. 5. Brake lock device. 6. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendible scotch blocks. E. Class C: Heavy-duty wrecker for removal of vehicles weighing over 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. In addition to requirements outlined in Section 1, heavy-duty wreckers will meet the following specifications and equipment levels: 1. A truck chassis with a manufacturer's rated capacity of at least 30,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and 50,000 pounds gross vehicle weight for tandem axle trucks. 2. A complete twin winch commercially manufactured boom and winches, having a manufacturer's combined rating of at least 25-ton capacity, mounted on the chassis. 3. Minimum of 200 feet of 5/8-inch cable on each drum. 4. Air brakes that will automatically lock the rear wheels upon a brake system failure. 5. An external air hookup and hoses to supply air to disabled vehicles. 6. One set of scotch blocks for wheels or hydraulic rear-extendible scotch blocks. 7. Two spare towing chains of 10-ton capacity each. F. All required equipment carried on a wrecker must be in good condition and fully operational. G. All wreckers operated pursuant to this procedure will be equipped with a business type communications radio or a mobile cellular telephone licensed (if necessary) and approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The radio or telephone will enable the wrecker operator to communicate with the company base of operations from any point within the Village and be available anytime the wrecker is in operation. A CB radio does not meet the requirements of this section. Use of a mobile cellular telephone will not result in any costs to the Police Department. VI. STORAGE FACILITIES: A. Wrecker companies must provide both inside and outside storage facilities as follows: 1. Outside Storage Facilities: A secure storage area, enclosed by a fence or a solid wall at least six feet high, capable of being locked and secured, and holding at least 10 mid-size vehicles. The facility will be illuminated sufficiently to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet during nighttime. 2. Inside/Covered Storage Facilities: a. A secure building that will provide protection from outside elements for at least two vehicles; or b. A carport, service bay, car cover, or other shelter that will provide protection from outside elements for at least two vehicles. These shelters must be within the confines of an approved outside storage facility as described above. B. The storage facility must be owned, leased, or rented by the wrecker company. C. "Hold" orders placed by the Police Department on vehicles stored for any reason will be honored by the wrecker 6 G.O. 14.6 company as instructed by the Police Department. Any vehicle involved in a crime and sealed by an officer will remain intact until removed by that officer or a Police Department supervisor. No vehicle or personal property of any kind will be released to anyone without the authority of the officer or the officer's supervisor. The Police Department will not be liable for any storage or towing. D. If no hold has been placed by the Police Department, the vehicle and personal property may be released by the wrecker company after presentation of valid proof of ownership. E. When personal property is released, the wrecker company will prepare an itemized list of the property. The person receiving the property will be required to present identification and sign for all items received. F. Wrecker companies will be held responsible for all parts and contents removed from vehicles, regardless of the type of storage area used. G. The wrecker company name and the telephone number of persons who have authority to release vehicles after normal business hours, if the storage area is not manned, will be conspicuously posted on a sign at the gate of the storage facility. H. Towed vehicles will not be stored on any public right-of-way. VII. RATES: A. A wrecker rotation program rate schedule, established by Palm Beach County, will become effective on January 1 each year. All wrecker companies are required to adhere to the rate schedule when responding to any rotation wrecker call for service. B. The rates will be posted in a conspicuous location within each establishment, in letters at least one inch high and clearly visible to the public. VIII. ROTATION PROCEDURES: A. The dispatcher will obtain sufficient information from the officer at the scene. B. Once the wrecker has been called into service, it will be rotated to the bottom of the wrecker list. C. A wrecker company failing to answer a call will lose the call and will be placed at the bottom of the rotation list. D. Communications personnel will make a minimum of at least two calls when encountering unanswered or busy phones. After two minutes of attempts, the wrecker will be rotated to the bottom of the wrecker rotation list and the next wrecker company will be called. E. When a specific wrecker company is requested by a vehicle owner, the wreckers position on the rotation list will not be affected. Such calls should not be entered on the wrecker log because they are not rotation calls. This type of citizen's assist should be documented in any subsequent reports. F. The wrecker company will forfeit the call if the wrecker operator responds to a call in such a condition that the officer on the scene believes the operator is incapable of safely removing the vehicle. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, impairment due to consumption of alcohol, or any chemical or controlled substance (Authority: F.S. 316.193). G. For incidents requiring towing of more than one vehicle, the dispatcher will inform the "on call" wrecker company of the number of vehicles to be removed. The wrecker company will be given the option to remove all of the vehicles if the company maintains the number of wreckers needed to accomplish the removal. Additional companies from the rotation list will be called as needed. The first wrecker to arrive at the scene will have the first choice of vehicles to be 7 G.O. 14.6 removed. The first wrecker also may be required to move vehicles from the roadway, which will not affect the choice of vehicles. No fee will be charged for such service. H. Wrecker operators, except operators of Class C wreckers, called from the wrecker rotation list will not delegate or request assistance from another wrecker company to perform the services necessary to accomplish the recovery or removal of vehicles in that class as defined pursuant to this procedure. When a wrecker is unable to perform the recovery or removal, it will be rotated and the next rotation wrecker on the list will be called. I. Wrecker companies will furnish the Police Department with only one daytime and one nighttime telephone number to call for service. J. Only approved wrecker companies will be dispatched on wrecker rotation calls. K. Rotation wreckers must be available for immediate response to all requests for wrecker service 24 -hours a day, seven days a week including holidays. The use of beepers for receiving rotation calls is prohibited. IX. GENERAL: A. Rotation wreckers must respond to calls within 30 minutes. If response cannot be made within that time, the wrecker company will notify the Police Department of the reason and an estimated time of arrival. The agency will then have the option of canceling the request for service and using another wrecker company. If service is canceled, the wrecker will be placed at the bottom of the rotation list. B. The Police Department will not be held responsible for wrecker service delays that are beyond the control of the agency. C. If the owner of a vehicle arrives while a vehicle is being impounded, the officer will release it to the owner unless procedures or unusual circumstances dictate otherwise. If the wrecker has hooked up to the vehicle, the wrecker company may charge the owner a negotiable fee or the wrecker operator may elect to be placed at the top of the rotation list and thereby waive any fee. The vehicle owner will be responsible for any charges incurred by the wrecker company. D. Wrecker operators are required to comply with the Florida Uniform Traffic Control laws. E. Each wrecker operator must hold a valid Florida chauffeur license with classifications as follows: 1. A driver of a Class-C wrecker must possess a Class-A Florida driver license. 2. A driver of a Class-B wrecker must possess a Class-A, B or C Florida driver license. 3. A driver of a Class-A, rollback, or slide-back wrecker must possess a Class-A, B, C or D Florida driver license. F. The on duty wrecker operator must have access to the wrecker and be available to provide "on demand" service 24-hours per day. G. Wrecker operators are required to sweep glass from the roadway and remove all debris or hazards from the scene as required by F.S. 316.2044(2). H. Wrecker operators will impound vehicles when requested by the officer on the scene. I. Wrecker companies are responsible for any damage to a vehicle caused by the wrecker operator. J. A wrecker company's place of business must have the following: 8 G.O. 14.6 1. A sign identifying it as a wrecker establishment. The sign must be painted with letters at least four inches high and be clearly visible to the public. 2. An office open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Personnel must be available to release personal property and vehicles. 3. A telephone communications system to answer calls from the Police Department and the public, 24- hours a day. K. Sirens on wreckers are prohibited. L. Flashing amber lights will be used at the scene and when towing from the scene in accordance with F.S. 316.2397(3). X. GLOSSARY: IMPOUND - Any item or vehicle impounded at the direction of the Tequesta Police Department or is removed from properly posted private property at the direction of the owner. ROTATION WRECKER COMPANY - The individual, partnership, corporation, or business entity for hire in the recovery, towing, or removal of wrecked, disabled, stolen, or abandoned motor vehicles. For this procedure, a hired driver or employee will be governed by these procedures and, unless otherwise stated, will be considered an agent of the wrecker company. WRECKER ROTATION LIST - A list of wrecker companies that have complied with the procedures set forth by the Tequesta Police Department and have been authorized to participate in the wrecker rotation program. INDEXING: ROTATION WRECKERS TOWING WRECKERS, ROTATION DRAFTED: JTI/rlg/ April 29, 1998/Filed: Rotwrk14.6 APPROVED: Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011 Tequesta, Florida 9