I.  PURPOSE

The purpose of this P&TSP is to outline operational issues regarding unlocking vehicles.

II.  GENERAL

As a courtesy service, Parking Transportation Services will assist individuals who lock themselves out of their vehicles.

III.  PROCEDURES

A.  If a call to unlock a vehicle is received by Parking Transportation Services office personnel, the following steps should be followed by the Parking Transportation Services office personnel:

1.  Confirm that the person requesting a vehicle to be unlocked is the owner or legal operator of the vehicle.

2.  Obtain the location and vehicle information (make, model, color, license plate number, ECU permit information).

3.  Contact the PCO working the section from which the request originates. Advise the PCO of the location of the vehicle and owner information.

4.  Confirm vehicle registration by way of permit for registered vehicles or license plate for unregistered vehicles. Out-of-state license plate information should be obtained through ECU Police. If the operator of the vehicle is not the owner, confirmation of legal authority to operate the vehicle should be performed, i.e. student/staff confirmation.

5.  Confirmation of owner/operator registration information should be relayed to the responding PCO, as it is available.

B.  Upon the PCO’s arrival, the following applicable steps are to be followed by the PCO:

1.  Identify himself/herself and state that he/she is there to assist with the unlocking of the vehicle.

2.  Confirm vehicle owner/operator information by asking for a picture ID. Compare information given by the Parking Transportation Services office personnel and the identification provided by the vehicle operator.

3.  If the vehicle and identification information does not correspond, the vehicle is not to be unlocked. Advise the person requesting the vehicle to be unlocked that the registered owner has to be present in order to unlock the vehicle.

4.  If the vehicle and identification information corresponds, the individual is to complete the release form. (See attachment.)

5.  After the release form is completed, the PCO may then proceed with the unlocking of the vehicle using the Lock-Out Tool Kit.

6.  Note: Follow instructions provided in the Lock-Out Tool Kit.

a.  If unlocking the vehicle is successful, store tools and resume patrol.

b.  If unlocking the vehicle is not successful, advise the owner/operator of the inability to unlock the vehicle. Ask the owner/operator if he/she wants Parking & Transportation Services to contact a local locksmith. If the response is “yes”, the PCO should inquire if the owner/operator has a specific locksmith to be contacted. If a locksmith is called to assist, the PCO should stay on the scene until the locksmith arrives. When the locksmith arrives, the PCO should inform the locksmith that the owner/operator information checks out. The PCO should then resume patrol.

c.  Note: Tools are to be stored in the proper compartment.

PREPARED BY: MVD
APPROVED BY: GWH / DATE OF ISSUE: 01/17/06
SUPERSEDES: / PAGE: 2 of 2
ORIGINAL ISSUE: 01/17/06