Sean C. Morgan
If the vehicle behind those flashing lights look likes something out of a TV show, welcome to the new world of police transportation in Sweet Home.
The Sweet Home Police Department put two new patrol vehicles on the road earlier this month, including a 2013 Dodge Charger and a 2013 Ford Interceptor SUV. The department added another 2013 Dodge Charger earlier this year as part of its regular rotation.
The department now has three Chargers.
The new additions replace a Chevrolet Impala and Ford Crown Victoria that were totaled during a pursuit in October.
One Impala remains for training and travel. Two Crown Victoria patrol cars are assigned to the sergeants.
The Interceptor, which has no civilian equivalent, is the first of its kind in the patrol fleet, said Sgt. Jeff Lynn. “What really sets it apart is the room.”
It has more space for prisoners, and has a huge cargo area, allowing officers to carry more equipment to a scene, Lynn said. The vehicle has been assigned to a couple of the department’s larger officers, including one who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall.
For much of the past decade, the department had mostly front-wheel drive vehicles. The new ones are all rear-wheel, though the Interceptor also has all-wheel drive capabilities.
It’s the first year for the new platform, Lynn said, and SHPD, along with other departments, will be evaluating the vehicle.
“We’re looking to see if it’s going to hold up as well as the other platforms we’ve been using,” he said.