NCJ Number
138657
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 69-72
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The purchase of new vehicles is a significant cost for a police department under budget restrictions, but it may cost a department more to use its car fleet beyond the time when it would be most cost-effective to purchase new cars.
Abstract
Although anecdotal evidence indicates that a vehicle may be driven well over 100,000 miles, even with the best of care and detailed safety inspections, serious problems may be undetected and pose a danger to drivers and the public at high speeds. Although engine, transmission, and differential, the core of the vehicle's operation, may be in good condition, suspension components, bushings, brake and fuel lines, and wiring harnesses may fail. Interiors may also become unsightly from wear over time. A strategy of parts replacement to extend the life of a vehicle can be very expensive. The cost of a car rebuilt with dealer parts can be six times the dealer cost of a new car. Having a fleet of old cars also means police vehicles will not have the benefit of the technology in new cars that increases performance and efficiency. They may also fail to conform to updated pollution standards. Police operation of old cars also carries potential legal liability should they become involved in accidents. Juries are more likely to find fault with a department if it has not made responsible choices in the maintenance of a safe vehicle fleet. Factors that affect responsible fleet maintenance are the climate and driving conditions under which the vehicles are operated, the quality of driver training, maintenance procedures, and the fuel used.