What should troopers do if their Department vehicle is damaged by debris?

When a trooper's Department vehicle is damaged due to debris, notifying the sub-station of jurisdiction is the appropriate action to take. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that the incident is officially documented within the Department, which is important for accountability and record-keeping purposes. It allows the Department to assess the damage and determine whether repairs are needed, ultimately helping to maintain the safety and operability of the vehicle.

Additionally, notifying the sub-station helps the Department track incidents of this nature, which can be valuable for understanding patterns or areas where debris is a recurring issue. This information can lead to preventive measures being implemented, such as increased monitoring in certain areas or communication with local authorities regarding road maintenance.

In contrast, ignoring the damage would not address the potential safety hazards and could lead to further complications down the line, such as more significant repairs. Filing a police report outside of the Department could lead to unnecessary complications and is not a typical procedure for incidents involving Department vehicles. Waiting until the next scheduled inspection does not provide prompt action to address safety issues and can prolong the vehicle's unavailability or risk of further damage. Therefore, prompt notification to the appropriate authorities within the Department is essential for both operational efficiency and vehicle management.