Page 79 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

Rangers must employ emergency lights to increase visibility during non-emergency street stops
and to protect themselves, the scene, and the public when assisting with traffic accidents, picking
up road kill, or involving themselves in other roadside activities. Furthermore, rangers must wear
reflective vests any time they are outside their vehicles directing traffic.

Rangers are allowed to make vehicle stops under limited circumstances only and after other
options have been evaluated. According to the Peace Officer Status of OSMP Rangers
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated January 1, 2016, “Officers shall not make
vehicle stops unless at the specific direction of the law enforcement agency with primary
jurisdiction in the area in question.” Rangers initiating stops must activate both lights and
sirens, and if the suspect vehicle flees the scene, rangers must not pursue.

ATV Operations
General Policies
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are used to assist rangers and other agencies in various day-to-day
functions and job duties on or near OSMP properties. ATV use may include, but is not limited to,
remote property checks, search and rescue, fire suppression, emergency operations, maintenance,
and other activities when an ATV will enhance accomplishing a task. Rangers must check ATVs
weekly to ensure they and their trailers are ready for emergency responses.

Rangers must respect and protect the environment in which they operate. Appropriate care should
be taken to not disturb wildlife; if possible, rangers should find alternate routes whenever wildlife is
present and make conscious attempts to stay on trails and avoid disturbing sensitive areas. While
operating ATVs on OSMP properties, rangers must keep them at reasonable and safe speeds for the
terrain, visitor safety, and rider safety.

Safety
Rangers must operate ATVs proficiently, know their riding limits along with an ATV’s limitations,
and attend scheduled training sessions. Rangers may use ATVs upon completion of an approved
ATV rider’s course and must wear the following personal protective equipment while operating
ATVs:
• A DOT-compliant helmet;
• Goggles/eye protection
• Long sleeves;
• Long pants;
• Over-the-ankle boots; and
• Gloves
Rangers may transport ATVs on trailers once they complete an approved trailer-backing course.

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