From the Station to the Shop: Bridging Police Work with Government Fleet Management

Most fleet managers will tell you this wasn’t the career path they thought they’d take when they were young. That’s certainly the case for Jennifer Brown, who recently stepped into her new role as facilities and fleet section director for the city of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Her career began in civilian police operations, slowly transitioning to managing the vehicles police officers rely on to do their jobs.

This gave Brown a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of law enforcement duties and the needs of officers, which aided her in decision-making in fleet management.

Backing the Blue in Police Operations

In 1995, Brown joined the Flagstaff Police Department as a part-time high school student employee in the records division. After graduating, she became a full-time tenure employee as a records clerk, before working as a police and fire dispatcher for five years. As a dispatcher, Brown familiarized herself with the kinds of daily calls police officers are sent to.

Eventually, Brown was promoted to the Evidence Division and assisted other divisions to alleviate short staffing, furthering her knowledge of the civilian side of police operations.

During this time, Brown was promoted as the police department’s Support Services Supervisor, allowing her to pursue her passion in police fleet. She was then promoted a year later to the Support Services Manager position in 2013.

While working with Flagstaff PD, Brown led the effort to transition the fleet from Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors to the then-new Ford Police Interceptor Utilities and sedans.

In 2020, Brown was hired by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office to work as the Communications/Information Systems Manager. Then in 2021, she was hired as the Fleet Services Supervisor for Coconino County Public Works, where she worked until she was hired to work for the city of Flagstaff again in 2024.

Her experience working with both the county seat and the county government broadened Brown’s knowledge of government operations outside of policing.

“Having experience working with both the county and the city of Flagstaff has been immensely beneficial in fleet management. It has provided me with a unique perspective and understanding of the intricacies involved in managing vehicle fleets within different government entities,” Brown said.

Among the complexities involved in fleet management is understanding the different local regulations, policies, and procedures present for different segments of government work. One example is having a clear grasp of the specific requirements and standards for each jurisdiction, particularly for law enforcement vehicles.

Brown’s time working for both local governments also helped her network and bounce ideas off her peers.

“Building a professional network in both the county and city spheres allowed me to facilitate collaboration and information exchange. This network was instrumental in sharing best practices, learning from similar challenges, and potentially collaborating on joint initiatives or shared services,” Brown added. “Ultimately, the ability to draw on experiences from both the county and city has allowed me to enhance decision-making in fleet management, leading to more comprehensive and well-informed strategies tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of each local government entity with either the county or the city.”

Marrying Police Operations and Police Fleet Management

Even though Brown has spent the last several years managing vehicles across all segments of local government, police fleets have a special place in her heart. It was her experience working on the civilian side of the industry before stepping into the fleet shop that shaped the decisions she makes in fleet.

“Working in law enforcement prior to transitioning to fleet management provided me with invaluable experience and insights that greatly influence the decisions I make today. My time in law enforcement gave me a deep understanding of the operational needs and challenges faced by officers on the ground,” Brown said. “I witnessed firsthand the importance of reliable and well-maintained vehicles in ensuring officers can respond quickly and safely to emergencies. This understanding informs my decisions regarding fleet composition, maintenance schedules, and vehicle specifications.”

Brown’s work at the police department also exposed her to the various technologies and equipment used in law enforcement.

“I learned which tools are essential for effective policing and how they integrate with vehicle systems. This knowledge has helped me to understand there are several types of technology solutions for our fleet, ensuring we are providing the right vehicle or piece of equipment with keeping safety and efficiency in mind,” Brown explained.

She also has a deep support for the law enforcement officers tasked with protecting the community.

“Working for the police department instilled in me a strong commitment to serving the community and supporting the men and women who protect it. I recognize that every decision I make regarding the fleet directly impacts the effectiveness and morale of our employees and our community,” Brown said.

When Police Work is Personal

Brown’s commitment to supporting law enforcement is personal. Her husband is a retired Flagstaff police officer.

“Being married to someone in law enforcement has provided me with a personal connection to the challenges and risks officers face on a daily basis. Through conversations with my husband, I gained firsthand insight into the critical role that quality, safe vehicles play in ensuring officers can perform their duties effectively and return home safely at the end of their shifts,” she said. “Witnessing my husband's experiences has heightened my awareness of the demanding nature of law enforcement work and the importance of equipping officers with reliable vehicles. I understand these vehicles are not just modes of transportation but essential tools that directly impact officers' ability to respond to emergencies, conduct patrols, and perform their duties with confidence.”

Brown said this also gives her a deep appreciation for the sacrifices officers and their families make.

“I recognize the responsibility we have in fleet management to prioritize officer safety and well-being by providing them with quality, well-maintained vehicles. This personal connection reinforces my commitment to ensuring our law enforcement fleet meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. It reminds me that every decision I make regarding fleet procurement, maintenance, and upgrades directly impacts the lives of the officers who rely on these vehicles to protect and serve our community,” Brown explained. “Law enforcement fleet management is about more than just maintaining vehicles; it's about safeguarding officers, optimizing operations, and upholding the trust and confidence of the communities they serve.”

Making Waves in the Law Enforcement Fleet Industry

Brown has been able to take her industry experience and expertise and use it to make a broader impact across the law enforcement fleet industry as a whole. She serves on the Ford Police Advisory Board. This allows her to directly influence the development of vehicles used by officers, as well as provide her with unique insights into the latest advancements in vehicle technology, safety features, and industry trends.

Brown can then turn that into informed recommendations for her own fleet.

The advisory board also provides Brown with a platform to advocate for the priorities and concerns of law enforcement agencies.

“I can provide feedback on the performance, durability, and functionality of their vehicles based on real-world usage and feedback from officers in the field. This helps OEMs tailor their products to better serve the needs of law enforcement, ultimately leading to safer and more effective vehicles for officers,” Brown said. “Knowing that I can make an impact on the industry in this way is incredibly fulfilling. It's gratifying to know that my input and recommendations contribute to the development of vehicles that enhance officer safety, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately support the mission of law enforcement agencies nationwide.”

Additionally, Brown is on the Government Fleet Police Fleet Advisory Board as a subject matter expert. Brown helped the brand kick off the inaugural Police Fleet Conference in 2023.

Advice for New Fleet Managers

If 2024 Brown could give 2013 Brown advice as a new fleet employee, she would tell her to focus on the basics — the foundations of fleet management.

“Take time to familiarize yourself with the importance of vehicle maintenance, fuel management, lifecycle of vehicles, listen to your staff, and be prepared to be open to change,” Brown said. “Always work on sharpening the saw, stay curious, and continuously educate yourself. Attend workshops and conferences and join local fleet memberships that allow for networking and training.”

Brown encourages newer fleet professionals to look to the advice of seasoned colleagues, because they have organizational knowledge, historical information, and understand the needs to the divisions they serve.

“They can provide valuable insights, share practical tips, and help you navigate the complexities of fleet operations,” she said.

As Brown settles into her new role, which now includes facilities management, she is looking forward to having new opportunities to learn.

“I am excited about the potential synergies between fleet and facilities. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these crucial components, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration and shared initiatives that contribute to the overall success of our organization. I look forward to the challenges and achievements that lie ahead, confident that my passion for excellence and commitment to continuous improvement will drive positive outcomes for our community, making it a safer and more efficient place for all.”