Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Florence police say they do not perform routine vehicle lockouts; county assistance available in emergencies
Summary
The Florence police chief told council the department lacks equipment and training to perform vehicle lockouts; in emergencies (children or animals in distress) supervisors can request county assistance, otherwise motorists must use a locksmith or tow service. Fire responders generally avoid door openings and may break windows in life-threatening
Councilmember Chambers asked the police chief to explain the city’s policy on vehicle lockouts after hearing the county’s practice differs from the city’s.
The police chief replied that Florence officers do not have the equipment or training to perform lockouts and that the county previously handled many lockouts for shoppers in Florence. The chief said a Florence supervisor can request county personnel to respond in emergency situations — for example, if a child or a distressed animal is locked in a vehicle — but for non-emergencies motorists are expected to call a tow company or a locksmith.
A fire-service representative added that modern vehicle door electronics and liability concerns have led fire departments to stop routinely opening vehicle doors; in emergencies the fire service said it may break a window to gain access rather than attempt internal door-entry procedures.
Why it matters: The clarification delineates which agencies will respond in emergency lockout situations and informs residents about options for non-emergency lockouts.
No policy change was proposed during the caucus; the remarks described current practice and interagency response options.
