BradleySheriff.com  Sheriff'sBlog NEW BCSO CRUISERS ON THE ROAD
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NEW BCSO CRUISERS ON THE ROAD |
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Written by Tim Gobble, Sheriff
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Friday, 14 March 2008 |
Today, eleven new 2008 Police Interceptor cruisers, which were included in the 2007-2008 budget, rolled out of the Justice Center parking lot and into service. These eleven cars replaced some of the more over-burdened patrol vehicles that have been on the road for over 13 years. I am grateful for them and grateful for everyone who turned out this afternoon for the roll-out ceremony.
The first thing you will notice about the new patrol cars will be the color. Instead of the white color scheme which the BCSO has been using since the early ‘80s, we went with a midnight blue color, which everyone agrees adds a more distinctive look and feel to the cruisers. The deep blue paint is a stock color and costs no more to use than the old white color did. Eventually, the entire fleet will feature this deep blue color scheme. In the meantime, you will see both white and blue BCSO patrol vehicles on the road during this transition, which will take several years.
But it’s the new technical updates that bring the patrol cars into the new century. The Interceptors (formerly known as Crown Victorias) are outfitted with mobile data terminals, new cameras, radar, GPS tracking and LED lights, as well as radios, sirens, push bumpers, prisoners’ partitions, shotgun locks, strobe lights, duel spot lights and other standard equipment. All these features are designed to provide the best possible performance in the field, protecting citizens and deputies alike. BCSO garage manager Lt. Mike Bogges has described the new Interceptors as “the best rolling stock anywhere in this area.” And I have to agree. They really are some of the best equipped and best looking patrol vehicles I have seen. I appreciate all the hard work Lt. Bogges and the garage crew, including some of our trustees, have put into outfitting these new cars.
The computerized lighting systems on the Interceptors are programmable to perform a number of different functions, such as take-down mode, pursuit mode and the like. The bar uses LEDs, which don’t burn nearly as hot, don’t fade and have a much longer life. The light bar itself is clear, as opposed to the old blue lights, with the LEDs actually carrying the blue color (in Tennessee, law enforcement vehicles are required to display blue lights).
There are also yellow LED directional arrows on the rear of the light bars which can be used to direct traffic around an accident scene, during a stop or in the event of emergency situations. The rear yellow lights also cut glare so the dash cam can better record the progress of stops, sobriety tests and/or any other activity. And just as train whistles vary to signal different situations along the track, the Interceptors’ light bars flash with various pulses for the same reasons.
The mobile data terminals (MDT) eliminate a lot of paperwork and allow deputies to file reports directly from the field instead of running back and forth to the Justice Center. This not only saves fuel costs, but the MDT reporting system is environmentally-friendly by cutting paper usage and saving trees. The new cameras document evidence and protect deputies and citizens alike. The GPS allows us to pinpoint a deputy’s location at all times. All the improvements to these cruisers are designed to optimize safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness. Eventually, the entire BCSO fleet will measure up to the standard set by these eleven new Interceptors.
I’ve already mentioned how well the new color scheme has been received by the deputies and others who have seen it, but there was a time when the BCSO didn’t have much uniformity in their color schemes. It is my understanding that prior to going with the white color back in the early ‘80s, cars were purchased “as is” from a dealer, regardless of color. Then BCSO decals were slapped on the doors and it was pretty much called done. These new midnight blue Interceptors mark a distinct new direction for the BCSO in looks and in technology. I am very pleased to have my deputies in these new cars and appreciate the efforts of the mayor and county commission in making the funding possible.
I am interested in hearing what you think of the new cruisers and anything else involving the BCSO. You can email me directly at comments@bradleysheriff.com. And, as always, to keep up with everything that goes on at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, log onto our website: www.bradleysheriff.com. I read everything that comes in to this office and do my best to respond in a timely manner. This community has been supportive and appreciative of the good job performed by our deputies and support staff every day of the year and I want you all to know that are grateful for your good thoughts. |
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