Stratford police say the addition of five new Dodge Chargers will increase job efficiency while also improving patrol safety.
“We did a lot of research,” Police Lt. Curtis Eller said outside department headquarters Tuesday. “It’s really the most proven police car out there.”
The new rides feature an upgraded computer system that gets information to patrol officers faster and clearer. For example, when an officer is called to a residence, a photo of the house appears on the screen.
“Simplicity is what the guys like,” said Eller.
While the loudest characteristic of the Charger may be its 5.7L V8 HEMI engine, what could potentially save an officer’s life is added side lighting, which spreads farther than the 20-25 Ford Crown Victorias currently on the force.
“It gives us some intersection clearing,” said Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour.
There’s also the change to a single-seat cage in the back, which blocks misbehaving suspects from lying down and attempting to kick out a window, police said.
Mayor John A. Harkins was also on hand Tuesday for the “official” unveiling of the police cars. Harkins said he was impressed with the infrared lighting feature that will assist in locating suspects or missing persons.
“It’s a big asset,” said Harkins of the new vehicles.
Ridenhour said it’s his hope that eventually the department’s entire fleet is Chargers, but that won’t happen any time soon.
The police chief said that the Bridgeport Police Department, which uses the Charger almost exclusively, shared “a lot of positive feedback” on the model and factored in the decision to choose the Dodge over a Chevrolet Caprice or another Ford.
Police said $27,000 in grant money helped pay for the Chargers, which have a comparable price to the Crown Vics.
“We tweaked some things (to) make sure we stayed in budget,” said Lt. Eller.
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