COFFEE COUNTY, AL - Coffee County Sheriff’s Department deputies are trying out two new 2007 Dodge Chargers to weigh the pros and cons of the models, according to the Enterprise Ledger.

Coffee County Sheriff Dave Sutton said other law enforcement agencies have gone to the Chargers, the state troopers' office.

The Sheriff’s Department of Operations Captian Chris Davis said the vehicles purchased are geared and designed towards law enforcement.

“We purchased these two vehicles from the state’s bid list with approval from the Coffee County Commission,” he said. “They approved the sheriff’s request for funds to purchase the cars and to hire an additional deputy.”

Sutton’s approval from the commission allowed $41,687.92 to be used for purchasing the vehicles and to hire another officer.

Sutton is also requesting funding in the new budget for the department to purchase 12 additional Chargers to restock the department’s fleet, which are currently out-of-date with maintenance fees skyrocketing for the older models.

Davis said Sutton is giving each deputy the chance to weigh both the pros and cons of the new Dodge.

Davis explained that the sheriff’s office will continue to have the SUVs to be used for equipment.

“Our specialty units, like the narcotics unit, need a larger vehicle for its equipment and to haul our department search boat and other field equipment,” he said. "We’ll continue to have these type vehicles, but as far as the cars, the department has spent nearly $45,000 for the repairs to the small motor engines. It’s cost efficient to have newer cars on the road.”