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In September of 2010 the Parking Control Unit of the Corpus Christi Police Department began a complete revision and overhaul of personnel, procedures, equipment and operations. Personnel and procedures were addressed immediately to create an ‘Ambassadorship Style Enforcement’ program that was designed after researching best practices of units across the country and then adding a tourism aspect to the mix.

Equipment changes were made in 2011 and 2012 utilizing industry technology standards leading to electronic ticket writers and an upgrade of parking meters improving efficiency, data management, accountability and operational integrity.

Since July, 2012 CCPD began research on upgrading the appearance and transportation needs of the Parking Control Unit. The intent was a uniform and enforcement vehicles that maintained a level of professionalism, while improving visibility and safety. The new look should make Enforcement Officers easy to spot when citizens have tourism questions or need assistance, while also improving the safety of the Enforcement Officers.

For many years the unit utilized golf carts for enforcement. The golf carts appeared as a cheap alternative in the beginning, but after the three-year warranty expired the units were constantly breaking down making them more costly and created concerns of safety. Unfortunately industry standards of enforcement vehicles was inconsistent leading to extended research and finally designing a vehicle from the ground up that would still lean towards cost containment and operational efficiency, but answer the concerns of longevity and safety.

The enforcement vehicles launched today are a first of their kind in the industry. CCPD began using the 4-wheel drive Kawasaki Mule utility vehicles a few years back, but they were still a little too costly for the parking unit. Selecting a 2-wheel drive model greatly reduced the cost and still maintained an energy-efficient vehicle option. Outfitting them with a Parking Enforcement package of light bars, decals and cab enclosures made them unique to the needs of the parking unit. With the Parking Control unit also responsible for neighborhood enforcement since assigned by Police Chief Floyd Simpson, these street legal units will help in that endeavor as well.

“The golf carts, while legal for use for CCPD uses, always concerned us in regards to Enforcement Officer safety”, said Parking Control Operations Manager Marc Denson, “The low visibility and maximum 10 mph speed constantly put our people at risk at intersections, long stretches of streets and in heavy downtown traffic. These new units will provide greater safety and are much more versatile for our current operational objectives, while still being very cost-effective.”