The Jackson County (Mich.) Sheriff Patrol is purchasing six Dodge Chargers to replace six Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars. On March 19, the County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase request. The vehicles, which cost $23,437 each, will be bought using the State of Michigan MI Deal contract.  

According to a document presented at the Commissioners meeting, the Sheriff’s Office has five Crown Victoria patrol cars ranging in miles 105,000 to 150,000+ miles. The five high-mileage cars in service are “beginning to experience high repair costs, drivetrain problems, and handling issues at highway speeds,” the document states. A sixth 2010 Crown Victoria patrol cars was involved in an accident and declared a total loss.

The Capital equipment budget almost entirely funds the purchase. The vehicles will also be funded with drug forfeiture funds and the insurance settlement on the totaled vehicle.