A new Police Package Dodge Charger has arrived and is on the streets.  Brownwood Police have received their first new patrol vehicle that initiates the change from the traditional Ford Crown Victoria models that have been the standard unit for many years.

This is the first Charger added to the fleet, but will not be the last.  The Dodge Chargers are the newest make of vehicles being used in law enforcement, and the city will slowly transition their fleet over to the Chargers according to Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree.   Crown Victoria models, which are currently in use by the police department, are no longer being manufactured by Ford after this year.   The city usually budgets for three new vehicle purchases per year Rountree said.

The Brownwood City Council approved the purchase of a new Dodge Charger on July 27th.  This new sportier patrol car is a replacement for the patrol unit that was wrecked earlier in the year.   Funding for the new Charger came from the city’s self insurance fund and its purchase price of $20,422 did not affect the city’s budget.

Assistant Chief James Fuller said that once the car is ready for service, it will rotate use among the officers.

“I hope that all the officers get a chance to try out the new model,” stated Fuller.

Sgt. Mitch Slaymaker was kind enough to give Brownwood News a ride in the new unit.

“This Charger is a Police Package motor and suspension,” stated Slaymaker.  “It’s a V6, but in the city it still has get up and go.”

Pictured above is Slaymaker beside the Charger.