The Three Rivers City Commission has approved the purchase of a 2010 Chevy Tahoe Police Package Vehicle with two-wheel drive to replace a patrol/canine vehicle that has ended its service life.

Authorization to proceed with the purchase through the state contract bid came during the commission meeting Monday evening (November 2nd).

The purchase – at a cost of $27,445 from the motor pool – was budgeted and will come from the budget for the present 2009/2010 budget.

The vehicle will be equipped from funds received from various grants and donations:

•    The Mobile Vision Digital Camera System at $5,270 was purchased through Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds.
•    The complete laptop computer system ($7,700) was purchased through Community Policing Fund donations back on March 4, 2008.
•    The remaining canine equipment – approximately $3,000 worth – will be purchased through K-9 Donation Fund.

The new vehicle will provide some additional flexibility because of the “cage” for the vehicle.  Police Chief Tom Bringman said, “The cages they have for Tahoe’s now have enough room for a prisoner and then the dog has room in the back portion so there’s a proper exercise movement area for the dog, as well as carrying prisoners and other equipment.”

City Manager Joe Bippus said the advantage of the new vehicle and the cage is that, “Currently, the K-9 officer’s dog is in the back so if they want to transport a prisoner, they have to call another officer.”

For additional information on this topic, click on the following link to hear an interview with Police Chief Tom Bringman, conducted by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal:  Police Chief Tom_Bringman interview (1:40).