Concord Police hitting the streets in new wheels
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CONCORD--Concord Police are hitting the streets in new wheels. The department is the first in the country to get a fleet of the 2013 Ford Interceptor.
"We got the first Ford Interceptor shipment in the United States, we're very tickled with that," said Maj. Wendell Rummage.
More than 20 new cars were purchased from a Concord dealer for around $23,000.
The cars are getting outfitted one-by-one with the latest technology in radios and LED lights for a total cost up to $32,000 each.
"Between cameras, radars, computers in the cabin, it really makes a big difference when you add the cage and people that are in custody. I think it's more roomy than some of our former cars," said Rummage.
He said the cars will also be safer, with features like a 75 mph rear impact capability. The 2013 model also comes with some new stripes. The black and gold decals were redesigned by officers themselves for a striking new look.
"I think when people see it they realize that's a more modern police car look and I think it commands a little more respect or at least some more attention," said Rummage.
Maj. Rummage said the change was initiated by officers, and especially those driving the departments oldest cars, some more than 10 years old and with V8 engines.
"This V6 car gets a two to three miles per gallon better in fuel efficiency, so obviously in our economy with fuel costs it helps us reduce some of our expenses," said Rummage.
Officers said because the Interceptor is American made and a dealership is close by also made it a good fit for the department.
There are seven Police Interceptors on the road in Concord now. The rest of the fleet is expected to hit the streets by the end of summer.