Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in a University Police Fleet: A Case Study of Idling, Emissions, and Electrification Potential

Abstract

This case study examines fleet sustainability challenges within the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Police Department, a multicampus public safety agency operating aging gasoline vehicles central to daily patrol and administrative functions. Rising maintenance costs, increased vehicle downtime, and extensive idling created both operational strain and avoidable environmental impacts. Aging internal-combustion vehicles contributed to elevated emissions and fuel consumption, particularly under high-heat conditions and equipment demands typical of campus policing. Telematics monitoring indicated that approximately 48% of total engine-on time consisted of idling, highlighting a substantial source of avoidable fuel use and emissions. The study employed a qualitative case study design that triangulated multiyear maintenance records (FY2019–FY2024), telematics data from a 56-day observation period across eight vehicles, and semi-structured interviews with sworn, administrative, and technical personnel. Findings revealed that aging vehicles exhibited disproportionate repair frequency, increased emissions potential, and extended downtime, while idling emerged as a major driver of inefficiency. Electrification was feasible for administrative roles but remains constrained for patrol operations due to range limitations, charging infrastructure requirements, and duty-cycle demands. Governance gaps further limited evidence-based sustainability planning. The case demonstrates that sustainable fleet management in public safety contexts requires alignment between operational practices, technological capabilities, and governance structures. Role-based electrification, idle-reduction initiatives, lifecycle-based replacement, and structured fleet oversight offer practical pathways for reducing emissions while maintaining operational readiness.