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Dublin City Police to get 12 new police SUVs

Dublin Police say the new cars will make the community safer.

If you live in the city limits of Dublin, you'll soon see brand new police cars driving through your neighborhood.

13WMAZ found out why the department needs new patrol cars and how much the cars are costing taxpayers.

Dublin Police say their cars have done their fair share of patrolling.

"This car that I'm sitting in right now has about 107,000 miles. Some of these other ones have 120,000 130,000...they're 2007 (models)," Cpt. James Champion said.

Dublin Police currently drive 14 Ford Crown Victoria sedans, but Champion says the cars have had it.

"No, they are not as safe as a new car, the braking system is old and worn out, the motors are (worn out), as you can see, I'm sitting very low, the seats are worn out," Champion said.

Most of the old cars have rust spots, which is just one of the reasons Dublin Police say they need new cars. Another example is they say one car has been in the shop three times in just one week.

Champion says in a few months, the department will have 12 new 2019 Ford Interceptors. The price tag for taxpayers? More than $480,000, but it's money police Chief Tim Chatman says is well spent.

"They're very well outdated; it's an embarrassment to the city. If you look at the paint job, the appearance," Chatman said.

The new SUVs will sport new radar equipment, security cameras, and Champion says that in the end, it will save taxpayers money.

"Just as fast as this V8 is, but it gets better gas mileage, so they are more economical for our citizens' budget," Champion said.

When the new cars come in, some of the Crowns will be sold and some will be kept to use as spare vehicles.

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