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Algood council approves rule letting police chief designate unmarked vehicles
Summary
On second and final reading the council approved an amendment to personnel rules allowing the police chief to designate certain vehicles as unmarked for duties such as administration and investigations; council members cited officer safety and crime-deterrence concerns.
Algood — The City Council approved on second and final reading an amendment to the city’s personnel rules that allows the police chief to designate certain patrol or departmental vehicles as unmarked for specified job responsibilities.
Police Chief Terry explained the change as a small language adjustment that adds authority for “vehicles as identified by the chief of police to be unmarked within the guidelines of job responsibilities such as administration, investigators and special assignments,” and asked the council to approve the ordinance with that amendment. Councilmember Williams commented that “one of the first things a police officer learns is visibility is the best crime deterrent,” reflecting debate about balancing visibility and investigative needs. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.
Why it matters: The amendment changes internal personnel guidance on vehicle markings and gives the chief discretion to exempt particular vehicles from standard markings for certain duties. The council’s approval completes the ordinance process; staff and the chief will implement the new language in department procedures.
What happens next: The ordinance was approved with the amendment at second and final reading; the city will incorporate the revised language into personnel rules and departmental vehicle policies.
