The Jackson County (Mich.) Sheriff's Department will purchase six Dodge Charger Pursuits to replace six Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars. The county's Board of Commissioners approved the purchase request on March 19. The vehicles, which cost $23,437 each, will be bought using the state's contract.
According to a document presented at the commissioners meeting, the Sheriff's Office has five Crown Victoria patrol cars ranging in miles 105,000 to 150,000 miles. The five high-mileage cars in service are "beginning to experience high repair costs, drivetrain problems, and handling issues at highway speeds," according to county records. A sixth 2010 CVPI patrol car was involved in an accident and declared a total loss.
The vehicles will also be funded from the capital equipment budget, drug forfeiture funds and the insurance settlement on the totaled vehicle.