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Kermit council directs staff to research oversight, reimbursement for police take-home vehicles
Summary
Council discussed the city's take-home vehicle policy, including the 50-mile rule, off-duty security details and fuel reimbursement. Members asked staff to survey peer cities for reimbursement and oversight practices and report back.
Council members debated Kermit Police Department policy for take-home vehicles and off-duty use on June 18, focusing on mileage limits and potential abuse when vehicles are used for security details or travel beyond the 50-mile radius.
Council members asked whether vehicles seen in Odessa and along I-20 complied with the city’s 50-mile rule and raised concerns about fuel costs and liability. City staff said anything over 50 miles requires prior approval and that off-duty security assignments typically fall under the hiring party’s insurance umbrella.
"If it's over 50 miles, they have to have prior approval," the mayor noted. Staff said the department would gather more detail on peer-city reimbursement practices and how to quantify fuel usage for off-duty assignments; council directed staff to reach out to nearby cities and prepare recommendations.
Members also discussed how off-duty security details are administered and paid (sometimes as contracted work with separate insurance) and whether additional controls or reimbursement mechanisms are needed. No changes to the existing policy were adopted at the meeting; staff will return with research and suggested oversight improvements.
