Chattanooga police officers asked the Cit Council today to intervene in the buying of new patrol cars for investigators, saying the Ford Focuses being purchased were too small for police work.
“We can’t do our jobs,” said Sgt. Craig Joel, vice president for the local Fraternal Order of Police.
City officials said 30 Ford Focuses were bought last year and given to investigators. Patrol officers still drive Ford Crown Victorias.
But Joel said investigators, who sometimes have to work patrol, do not have enough storage space in the Focuses.
Paul Page, director of general services for the city, said officials would consult with the police department to figure out if the Focuses are appropriate for police use.
The city plans on purchasing more cars within the next two months, he said.
For complete details, read tomorrow’s Times Free Press.
Cliff has worked for the Times Free Press for five years and covers Chattanooga city government. He previously covered Rhea County, as well as transportation and growth and development in Southeast Tennessee. A native of Maryville, Tenn., Cliff graduated in 2003 from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on journalism. Before coming to Chattanooga, he was a crime reporter with Hernando Today, a supplement of The Tampa (Fla.) ...
The gas hog Crown Vics are finally being phased out by Ford. The City should lead by example in moving to fuel efficient cars.
Maybe the bad guys will move to fuel efficient cars too.
nunuck ... I'd like to see you to do a PIT maneuver with a prius.
Failure to consult with police officials about their vehicle needs and requirements is typical of the Littlefield administration failures.
The article clearly states that the smaller cars are for investigators, not patrol officers. The inference is that investigators do not need large cars. It seems logical to me, but does anyone know a real reason why an investigator needs a large car? My guess is that the reason for the complaint is that their fat bellies are too big.
NoMyth..."But Joel said investigators, who sometimes have to work patrol, do not have enough storage space in the Focuses."
Police forces all over the world have been down-sizing vehicles for years. Reducing consumption means adjustments for all of us.
Why do they choose Ford cars? aside from the fact that Ford truck parts are really comfortable and stylish too.
Well, seeing that many of the full size cars that were formerly taken home by out of city residence cops are corralled up, the investigators can just take the Focuses over there and exchange them for a full size when they are called onto patrol.
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