Three new Battle Ground Police patrol vehicles are on the job. These new vehicles are the first to be added to the City's aging patrol fleet in over four years and are a change from the standard Crown Victoria which is no longer in production.
The new 2013 vehicles, a Ford Interceptor Sedan, a Ford Interceptor Utility, and a Chevy Tahoe will replace two 2006 Crown Victorias and one 2003 Chevy Tahoe that have reached the end of their life spans. Battle Ground patrol vehicles accumulate approximately 17,000 miles a year; a patrol vehicle's life span ends at about 100,000 miles.
Technological advances in braking, fuel management and safety systems makes each of the new vehicles more effective and efficient than their predecessors. Research conducted prior to purchasing the vehicles indicated that other agencies using the new Ford and Chevy vehicles in their patrol fleets are realizing a substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs over the old Crown Victoria.
The cost of each vehicle, fully equipped and ready for police use, averaged approximately $65,000 each. Replacement of the new vehicles required all new equipment in order to fit the updated, more efficient body styles. The Ford Interceptor has a significantly different platform from the no-longer-produced Crown Victoria and the Chevy Tahoe platform has had substantial changes since 2003. Funding for the new vehicles and their essential equipment was provided through the 2013-14 budget process.
The Ford Interceptors will make their debut appearance at the Harvest Days Parade in Battle Ground and will be used for patrol starting the week of July 22nd. The Chevy Tahoe will follow in a few weeks once fully equipped.