FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Friday, February 13th, 2015
New Ford ‘Interceptors’ on Patrol
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
The Sheriff’s Office has integrated five new Ford ‘Interceptor’ patrol cars into it’s fleet today. The new cars were received this week from Prater Ford, and have been outfitted with the necessary equipment and insignia. These cars incorporate a number of features designed to make them more cost efficient, as well as effective in protecting the public. A smaller, turbocharged engine gets more miles -to-the-gallon than the older Crown Vic patrol cars, and a top mounted ‘dome’ style flashing blue light makes the black and white cars even more visible when the light is on or off. While some describe the dome light as “retro”, it actually incorporates the latest LED technology, and costs less than the horizontal style light bars. Ease in obtaining and replacing parts in these particular lights allows Sheriff’s Office technicians to perform maintenance and repairs in house. All Sheriff’s patrol cars are black and white with large gold stars on the front doors. “Visibility and presence are the first and most important factors in preventing crime. We had rather prevent crime and stop innocent people from being victimized in the first place than to have to investigate a crime after the fact and conduct a prosecution. My policy is for deputies to be highly visible in the community on patrol, at all times.”, said Sheriff Ralston.
The new cars were paid for by the County government with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds. The five Sheriff’s patrol cars, fully equipped with all of the necessary law enforcement accessories at a total cost of $196,000, were approved as part of the SPLOST project by the Board of Commissioners in last year’s budget, and were ordered in October. All patrol cars are replaced on an as-needed basis to ensure the safety of the officers and the public.
Deputy sheriffs with new Ford ‘Interceptor’ patrol cars.
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