Wrecker Operator (Law Enforcement)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Law Enforcement Wrecker Operator is responsible for providing professional towing and recovery services at the request of law enforcement agencies. This role involves responding to accident scenes, impounding vehicles, and assisting with traffic incident management. The operator must adhere to strict state statutes (Title 47, Chapter 72) and local rotation log rules while maintaining the safety of the scene and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Law Enforcement Dispatch Response: Respond immediately to calls from OKC police dispatch or highway patrol. Maintain a 24/7 "on-call" readiness for emergency rotation calls.

• Accident Scene Recovery: Perform complex recoveries including rollovers, winch-outs in high-traffic environments.

• Scene Remediation: Responsible for cleaning up debris (glass, car parts) at accident scenes to ensure the roadway is safe for public use after the vehicle is removed.

• Impounds & Evidence Handling: Securely transport and store vehicles involved in crimes, arrests, or abandonments. Maintain chain of custody for vehicles designated as evidence.

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate flatbeds (rollbacks), integrated wreckers, and wheel-lifts. Use specialized rigging, winches, and straps to prevent further vehicle damage.

• Documentation: Complete "Tow Request and Authorization Forms" (TAF) and maintain digital logs for every law enforcement tow. Provide clear and accurate invoices based on Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regulated rates.

• Public Safety: Utilize Traffic Incident Management (TIM) techniques, including high-visibility clothing and proper truck positioning to protect responders and the public.

   

Requirements & Qualifications

• Age: Must be at least 23 years old (standard insurance and DOT requirement).

• Driver’s License: Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License with a clean driving record. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B is often required for Puckett’s heavy-duty or specialized units.

• Background Check: Must pass a full OSBI national background check. Felony convictions or candidates on probation generally disqualify candidates from law enforcement towing.

• Drug Testing: Must pass a pre-employment and annual negative drug screening per DPS requirements.

• Training: * Completion of a DPS-approved 16-hour Basic Wrecker Operator course (required within 30 days of hire if not already certified).

• TIM Certification: Must hold a Traffic Incident Management (TIM) certificate.

• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs, crawl under vehicles, and work in extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, snow).

Preferred Skills

• Experience: Previous experience in "Class AA" towing (Law Enforcement rotation).

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with modern vehicle electronic shifters, air suspension systems, and 4WD/AWD towing requirements.

• Communication: Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with emotional or confrontational drivers at accident or impound scenes.