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You probably know the cars in your neighborhood. In many communities nationwide, those familiar cars, trucks, and SUVs include police vehicles parked in driveways and spaces near homes. So, why do some law enforcement officers (LEOs) take their police vehicles home with them?

Cops take their police vehicles home for practical reasons like ease of access and recruitment

If you routinely see a police or sheriff’s department vehicle in your neighbor’s driveway, they’re likely an LEO with a take-home vehicle. While broadcasting the living situation of a police officer can be a safety concern, there are multiple reasons why an LEO would take their official car or SUV home. 

  • Maintenance costs
  • Retention and recruitment
  • Projecting a police presence in local communities

For starters, take-home vehicles can lower maintenance costs for law enforcement agencies. Connecticut State Police Sergeant Tom Gorman says that LEOs take personal pride in their official vehicles when they drive them on and off duty. “For the most part, the cars are cleaner, the electronics in the cars are maintained properly, we have [fewer] functionality problems, and we have a higher reporting of problems when there any so getting them fixed happens as a priority.”

According to Government Fleet, take-home vehicles can have a positive impact on recruitment and retention. For instance, existing LEOs tend to like the option of a take-home unit. Moreover, some departments will use a tenure-based system to determine which officers qualify for a take-home car or SUV. As such, a young or inexperienced officer might be more likely to stay on with a department with the prospect of a take-home car on the horizon after two or so years of service. 

Finally, a blatantly liveried police vehicle in a neighborhood can deter crime. Unsurprisingly, criminals are less likely to commit crimes around a police car. However, a marked police unit presents some security issues, like broadcasting where an officer lives.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).