This isn t your grandpa s police car
Staff reporter
Vehicles are used by Hillsboro Police Department for more than a means of transportation and chasing bad guys.
"We're the most visible department in the city," said Dan Kinning, Hillsboro Police Chief. "We want to be seen by the public because we're here to serve the public."
And most visible in the department is the department's 2006 Dodge Charger.
"When it came time to look at new vehicles, we looked at what was available and best suited," said Kinning.
The department has a fleet of six vehicles driven by five officers. One vehicle is kept as a spare for part-time officers or when another vehicle is being repaired.
The fleet consists of two Chevrolets — a Lumina and an Impala; two Chryslers — an Intrepid and the new Charger; two Fords — a Crown Victoria and Explorer that is used for the K-9 unit.
"When a vehicle has 90,000 miles on it, I start looking," Kinning said. The vehicles generally last about 10 years with a new vehicle purchased about every three years.
This time around, Kinning compared the Charger with a Ford which were comparable but he wanted to try something new.
"The ESP braking system computer on the Charger actually determines safe speeds on curves," Kinning said, "so there is no driver error."
"The system has been used on Mercedes and BMWs," said Jessey Hiebert, assistant police chief. "It's also improved safety for the public."
The department preferred a rear-wheel drive vehicle which is better for emergency operations.
"Officers who come here from the academy are trained on rear-wheel drive vehicles," said Hiebert.
No Hemi or bells and whistles on this one.
The HPD's Charger is a basic model with a basic patrol car package and a V-6 motor.
Vehicles also need to meet the department's specifications when they assist other departments like Marion County Sheriff's Department and Kansas Highway Patrol.
An hour meter is part of the package which monitors idle time.
"Idling time is just as hard if not worse on the motor than driving time," said Kinning. He intends to use the information from the meter to reduce the amount of time the motor is idling.
Kinning appreciates the relationship he has with Hillsboro City Council.
"I appreciate the council's trust in me," said Kinning, who recommended the council approve the purchase of the Charger.
When proposals were solicited and compiled, a Ford Crown Victoria and the Dodge Charger were competitively priced but the Ford didn't meet the specification of rear-wheel drive.
"We don't set out to spread around the purchasing of vehicles from the three different dealers," said Kinning, "but it has worked out that way and I'm glad."
The vehicles are issued to specific officers, and become the responsibility of that officer, said Hiebert, just like a side-arm (gun). The Charger has been assigned to Hiebert.
"We can get eight to 10 years out of vehicle because of accountability," he said.
The graphics on the Charger were designed by the department which saved city funds.
"We want people to be able to see us," said Hiebert.
Kinning agreed. "The best deterrent to crime is visibility," he added.
Hiebert said he recently attended training in Topeka and showed the Charger to numerous officers.
"Departments are ordering them but they just aren't on the streets yet," said Hiebert.
Kinning also anticipates the resale or trade-in of the Charger might be more than other vehicles because of its popularity and body style.
