The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland added five new Ford Mustang GT patrol vehicles to its enforcement fleet.

The high-performance vehicles will be used for targeted speed-enforcement operations and to safely pursue individuals who endanger the public by violating Maryland’s traffic laws.

The additions come as the agency works to address increasing traffic safety concerns throughout the county. Sheriff Lewis said the decision to purchase the Mustang GTs was driven by public-safety needs and fiscal responsibility.

“We receive a significant number of requests from residents across Wicomico County asking for increased speed enforcement in their neighborhoods and along major roadways,” Sheriff Lewis said. “These vehicles give our deputies the unparalleled capability to respond effectively and safely, while costing significantly less than a police-pursuit Chevy Tahoe. This allows us to strengthen our enforcement efforts while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

To ensure deputies are prepared to operate the vehicles safely and responsibly, the Maryland Police Training Commission, in conjunction with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, is developing a specialized high-performance driving course tailored specifically for the Mustang GT platform.

The training, the first of its kind in Maryland, according to a press release, will focus on advanced vehicle handling, pursuit safety, and controlled high-speed operations. All deputies assigned to the new vehicles will be required to complete the course.

The Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to reducing dangerous driving behaviors, responding to community concerns, and improving roadway safety for those who live, work, and travel in Wicomico County.

“These Mustangs are a tool, just one part of a broader strategy to keep our roadways safer,” Sheriff Lewis said. “We will continue to combine education, enforcement, and community partnership to address speeding and reckless driving throughout the county.”