The New Cruiser

You may see it around town, or you may not notice it at all until the lights are flashing and you are required to pull over. It’s a striking addition to the Police Department fleet and its sleek black paint may fool you into thinking that it’s just another car. But beware, because it is certainly not just another car. It is a state of the art 2003 Dodge Intrepid.

With its high performance, 6 cylinder motor and front-wheel drive it handles well in the slush and snow that our winters are famous for.

The purchase of the new patrol car was part of the Police Department’s 5-year plan and research was done by Chief Russ Ratkiewicz. Chief Ratkiewicz received information at the 2002 Winter Chief’s Conference and contacted the dealership for more information. The dealership is in Owosso and they delivered a car for our officers to inspect. It was test driven by all of our officers and other officers from local areas as well. The winter weather proved to be no challenge for the capable Intrepid. In his thorough manner, Chief Ratkiewicz contacted other chiefs who have purchased the Intrepid police cruisers for their valuable opinions as well. The order was placed in April and it was in service, after the decals were applied, June 2003.

For just over $20,500 the car was purchased with the basic options that included: light bar, back deck lights, inside cage, electric harness connector, and dual spotlights. By having a lot of the extra features included in the basic package price, it allowed Chief Ratkiewicz to add 4 other options and keep the vehicle affordable. For just under $1850, the Intrepid was also equipped with a front push bar, mirror strobes for greater visibility, plastic back seat for easier cleaning and care, and a shotgun rack. It has also been equipped with a Mobile Data Computer that is being tested for Jackson County. In the future, the 2001 Crown Vic will also be updated from a Mobile Data Terminal to the Mobile Data Computer.

The other vehicles are a 1999 and a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. The Intrepid cruiser is used for afternoon patrol and is driven by Officer Adams. Both the Chief and Officer Adams take their cars home. Chief Ratkiewicz tells me that by keeping the officers (including himself), responsible for their cars, they will last longer and thus, save the Township money.

The addition frees up one of the Crown Vic’s for part-time officer use and also ensures that there is more than one road-worthy vehicle in the fleet in case repairs are needed on one of the other vehicles. By adding a third car to the fleet, it makes certain that there will always be a police vehicle in service to patrol Spring Arbor and will help accommodate our growing police force.