Discrete Vehicle Guidelines

Purpose of Unmarked Patrol

The purpose of using unmarked vehicles is to surveil traffic, conduct undercover operations, and do other investigative tasks while maintaining a low profile to the public and to effectively gather information and enforce the law without alerting potential suspects.

Unmarked Vehicle Policy

• Deputies holding the rank of Lieutenant and above have the option to patrol in an unmarked patrol vehicle.

• Unmarked vehicles should be discreet in appearance, avoiding any distinguishing features that could compromise undercover operations.

• All unmarked vehicles should be earth-based colors. Bright, neon, or jarringly distinct colors are prohibited.

• Unmarked vehicles may use any level of window tint that is deemed fit for the operation.

• Deputies operating unmarked vehicles may choose any license plates as long as it is not offensive or unprofessional.

• Deputies are prohibited from using unmarked motorcycles.

• Unmarked vehicles should be equipped with appropriate lighting and sirens that can be activated and spotted easily both during the day and at night.

Unmarked Clothing Policy

• Deputies holding the rank of Lieutenant and above have the option to wear any professional clothing in place of a standard uniform.

• Ensure clear identification of law enforcement status through official badges, identification cards, clothing, or accessories.

• Officers must not wear plain clothes while operating motorcycles in the line of duty.

• When arriving at an active violent scene, unmarked deputies must equip a marked bulletproof or ballistic vest.

• When acting in the capacity of a BCSO deputy, you must have visible identifying clothing such as a badge or a vest. 

Unmarked Patrol Rules & Regulations

• Officers must be prepared to present appropriate identification and authorization for operating an unmarked vehicle if questioned by the public or other law enforcement agencies.

• Unmarked vehicles should only be used for official duties and not for personal use or unauthorized activities.

• Always have official identification readily available, including a badge and identification card. Ensure that your demeanour and conduct reflect professionalism and authority, helping to reassure the public of your legitimacy and purpose. 

• Exercise caution when responding to emergencies or engaging in high-speed pursuits.

• Maintain constant communication with dispatch about your location, activities, and operational status.

• Unmarked vehicles are locked to department command staff & ghosted vehicles are locked to deputies of the rank of Master Sergeant or above.

• When leaving, arriving on, or already on a scene where a LEO presence is confirmed or requested, you are required to identify in radio as an unmarked or plainclothed deputy and describe your appearance.

• All unmarked patrol vehicles are to be equipped with standard equipment such as radar, radio, plate reader, dashboard camera, etc.

Ghosted Vehicle Policy

• At a minimum, two ghosted units are allowed on duty at any time. In order to exceed two units, it must be at a ratio of 1 ghosted unit to 4 regular patrol units on duty.

• All ghosted vehicles must be earth-based colors.

• Ghosted vehicles may use a "dark smoke" tint for window tint.

• Officers operating ghosted vehicles are required to follow the normal "BCSOXBXX" license plate structure.

The BCSO Sheriff reserves the right to remove your ability to go unmarked/ghosted for any period of time, without warning.