The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will purchase a new Ford Taurus Interceptor, which is being made to replace the former police cruiser, the Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the sheriff’s office will buy a Ford Expedition.
The Polk County Board of Commissioners agreed on Monday, Sept. 19 to purchase the new vehicles. Polk County Manager Ryan Whitson said the sheriff’s office set aside $54,000 from last year’s budget by not replacing two positions, and commissioners agreed to reserve it to purchase two vehicles this year.
Chief Deputy Kenny Kempster told commissioners that the Expedition will be used to transport firearms and ammunition for training at different locations.
The prices approved for the vehicles are $24,405 for the Taurus Interceptor and $26,579 for the Expedition.
Whitson said the county will pay a 2011 price for the Expedition but will receive a 2012 model. The Taurus Interceptor will not likely be delivered until after the first of next year, Whitson said and will be a 2013 model.
During the discussion, county commissioner Cindy Walker urged the sheriff’s office to practice conservation measures to increase gas mileage. She handed out documents with tips to save on fuel consumption.
All law enforcement agencies formerly using Crown Victoria as patrol vehicles are faced with replacing fleets with different models. Ford Motor Company discontinued the Crown Victoria in 2008, but continued to produce the vehicle for law enforcement agencies through 2010. Ford has made the Interceptor in a sedan model, for a patrol vehicle, and in a four-wheel-drive sport utility model.
Some agencies have replaced Crown Vics with Dodge Chargers.