The Nampa (Idaho) Police Department is upgrading and replacing its vehicles to the tune of $333,057, according to a news release from police officials. Chief of Police Joe Huff called the replacement of the department’s aging fleet a "critical situation", as special tactical units would break down and need to be towed back to the fleet division while responding to calls.
Police vehicles needed to be repaired so frequently that regular maintenance on other city vehicles was often deferred, Fleet Superintendent Doug Adams said.
Nampa PD has 56 patrol cars, 33 administrative/detective vehicles, seven special use units, and 44 vehicles used by volunteer, motors, community service, and special investigation units. In 2015, 65 vehicles had been in use for over 10 years, and several others for over 15.
In FY-17, the city decided to lease 15 non-patrol vehicles for $52,044 annually for three years. At the end of the three-year period, the vehicles will be turned in and replaced with newer models. Thirteen additional vehicles will be leased in FY-18 under the same terms. In comparison, purchasing one vehicle would have cost the city around $30,000.
Nampa City Council approved the purchase of nine new patrol vehicles in FY-17, costing the city $38,005 with an additional $8,501 expense per vehicle to equip them for police work. The agency's Crisis/Negotiation team also received a travel trailer, a Ford F-250 tow vehicle, a Ford F-550 tactical team transport vehicle, a Ram pickup truck for the bomb squad, and a motor home designated as a tactical command center.
