12 American Police Beat: January 2018 Why can’t I take it home? This stinks! Take-home cars were about increasing police visibility in the city or county T he whole idea behind the concept of take-home cars for law enforcement officers was that it was a way to increase police visibility in communities and to encourage police officers to live closer to the areas where they work. But much like residency pro- grams, take-home car policies have fallen out of favor. Many people on the job do not want to live in the cities or counties where they’re employed. In Indiana the take-home car policy for the Anderson Police Department is actually a reason that cops are leaving for other agencies and many people say the take-home car policy is be- hind the departure of several officers recently. The take-home vehicle con- troversy takes place as the city council has recently approved funding for the purchase of new patrol cars. Last year, the city council started looking into creating a take-home car policy. But Councilman Jon Bell said he didn’t like the part about take-home cars being available only to who officers who live in Anderson. “We need to have a way to address the policy,” Bell said. “This policy is a place to start, but it needs to be refined. I don’t agree with how restrictive the policy is.” Scott Calhoun, president of the local F.O.P. Lodge, said the take-home car policy should be eliminated because seven officers have left the department because they lived outside city limits and were not able to get the take- home cars. “It was a step back,” he said. “We have people living just out- side the city limits that can’t have a take-home car.” In contrast the nearby Madison County Sheriff’s provides take- home vehicles but all of the 36 deputies that get the cars live in the county. ANDERSON POLICE DEPT car policy • No civilian passengers unless approved by admini- strative staff. • Must provide aid to stranded motorists. • Required to have police radio activated and provide backup on police calls. • Required to maintain proper appearance of the vehicle, including washing and cleaning. • Limited to officers living within city limits, with exceptions for canine officers and detectives on call. • Must have badges, weapons, radio and other pertinent equipment, including handcuffs. • To be used for Department- related business and driving to and from work; no personal use. ★