Unmarked & Ghosted Patrol Guidelines

Unmarked privileges will be assigned in accordance to the following structure:

• Supervisors at the rank of Sergeant and above:

  • May patrol using unmarked vehicles at a ratio of 1:8, with extras 2 through 10 ENABLED.

  • May NOT patrol using unmarked/plainclothes uniforms.

• Command staff at the rank of Lieutenant:

  • My patrol using unmarked vehicles at a ratio of 1:5, with their choice of extras.

  • May patrol using unmarked/plainclothes uniforms.

• Command staff at the rank of Captain:

  • In addition to the guidelines set at Lieutenant, may patrol in unmarked civilian vehicles (non-personal) outfitted using the F11 lightbar script.

• Department Heads at the rank of Captain and above:

  • In addition to the aforementioned guidelines, may patrol in an unmarked civilian personal outfitted with the F11 lightbar script. The personal must be approved by the Sheriff, Under Sheriff, or Assistant Sheriff.

Any deputy using an unmarked vehicle is beholden to the following guidelines:

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

• Anyone operating an unmarked vehicle MUST have "Unmarked" or "UM" in their callsign, similar to if you were active as a subdivision.

• All unmarked vehicles should be earth-based colors. Bright, neon, or jarringly distinct colors are prohibited. Factory palettes are good guidelines. Use common sense.

• 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 of 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.

• Deputies 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.

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

Any deputy using an unmarked/plainclothes uniform is beholden to the following guidelines:

• Clothing must be professional.

• Deputies must be able to be clearly identified through the use of official badges, identification cards, marked apparel or accessories.

• Deputies may NOT wear plainclothes while operating a motorcycle in the line of duty.

• When arriving at an actively violent scene, unmarked deputies MUST equip a MARKED bulletproof or ballistic vest as well as notify other law enforcement of their presence and appearance.

Universal Unmarked Policies:

• Always have official identification readily available, including a badge and identification card. Ensure that your demeanor 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 RTO about your location, activities, and operational status.

Ghosted Vehicle Policy

• Deputies at the rank of Master Sergeant or above may patrol with a ghosted vehicle livery.

• 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.