Visibility is not an issue for Rick Vazquez when he drives the Oxnard Police Department's new Polaris Ranger utility vehicle.

The 10-year veteran doesn't even have to lean forward to see the boots of his partner, officer Jamie Brown, standing a foot in front of him at Mandalay Beach.

A critical observation, given the setting.

Last June, another officer accidentally drove over and killed a sunbather near here while driving a large sport utility vehicle during patrol.

The District Attorney's Office found no evidence of wrongdoing. But spotting the woman lying below the crest of a berm was difficult from the driver's seat of an SUV, the report said.

The utility vehicle is intended to resolve that issue, Vazquez said.

"Your line of sight is greatly increased," Vazquez said while demonstrating the four-wheel drive Polaris.

The Polaris is a direct response to last year's accident on June 12. Vazquez was give the task of researching a new vehicle and recommended the $11,600 Polaris for the task. A trailer to tow it cost an additional $1,000.

Fully loaded vehicle

One reason for the improved line of sight is design. The 683 cc twin-cylinder gas engine sits under the seats, allowing for a compact, snub-nosed front end.

Unlike an SUV, the utility vehicle will not get stuck in the sand if it stops. Compared to popular all-terrain vehicles, favored by some law enforcement agencies, the utility vehicle is less prone to tipping or rolling, Vazquez said. Unlike ATVs, which are solo rides, utility vehicles allow for a driver and passenger and don't require the use of helmets.

The black, open-air vehicle is fitted with a foam-padded roll bar, LED lights, siren, radio and public address system. It can cart up to 1,500 pounds between a rear bed and front storage trunk. A front-end winch can tow up to 4,000 pounds, meaning potential assistance for stuck vehicles or moving large obstructions.

Because the District Attorney's Office report identified a lack of training and policies about driving on beaches as a key reason for the accident, the vehicle also comes with first-time rules and regulations.

Researched other agencies

The Police Department developed its policy after researching those in other agencies with off-road patrol duties, including California Department of Parks and Recreation and agencies in Imperial County, Vazquez said.

Drivers can enter the beach only from specific locations that will soon be marked with signs. Speed limits on the beach are restricted to 10 mph. Traversing berms, logs or other obstacles is discouraged.

"Our policy now states if you cannot see clearly over an obstacle, you will get out and inspect," Vazquez said, as he and Brown demonstrated over a berm similar in slope to the one in last year's accident.

Officers must undergo a full day of training before using the vehicle. Vazquez, Brown and two other officers handle training and maintenance duties. Twelve officers are now certified to drive the vehicle, which made its first appearance during the July 4 holiday.

The department will use the Polaris on an "as needed" basis, Assistant Chief Michael Matlock said. How often will depend on the level of activity and calls for service at the beach, said Matlock, who oversees the patrol division. The department is still looking for a storage location near the beach.

Matlock said he believes the vehicle will help prevent future accidents.

"We want the community to know that our main function, our reason for existing, is to safeguard the public," Matlock said. "Anytime we can improve our ability to do that, we want to do that. Unfortunately it's many times through lessons learned that (we find) better ways to do things."