What does "OUT OF SERVICE" mean for police units?

The phrase "OUT OF SERVICE" when used in the context of police units indicates that they are undergoing maintenance or are otherwise unavailable to respond to calls for service. This status ensures that the public and dispatch are aware that those specific units are not operational and cannot be deployed for emergency or non-emergency situations. Units can be out of service for various reasons, such as mechanical issues, the need for repairs, or being involved in training exercises that may not require them to be available for active duty. This communication is critical for effective dispatching and resource allocation within the department.