Police Department acquires SRT Durango to enhance traffic enforcement capabilities

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners held a work session and meeting on March 18, 2025, focusing on key operational enhancements for the county's law enforcement capabilities. A significant agenda item was the discussion regarding the replacement of a traffic enforcement vehicle, which has been underperforming and unable to meet operational demands.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the current vehicle, a Durango, has been in the shop for 60 days out of a total of 120 days since its acquisition, leading to a substantial waste of resources. The vehicle has accumulated only 12,000 miles, yet it has already cost the county approximately $8,000 in maintenance due to its inability to handle the rigorous demands of traffic enforcement.

The staff recommended the purchase of a new high-performance vehicle, specifically the SRT model of the Durango, which is designed to better meet the needs of traffic suppression and interdiction. The corrected capitalized cost for this new vehicle is $63,003.94, after accounting for a $15,000 credit from the previous unit.

Commissioners discussed the ongoing issues with the current fleet, noting that while the patrol Durangos are also experiencing problems, the SRT model is equipped with enhanced features such as upgraded brakes and larger engine capacity, making it more suitable for the demanding tasks of traffic enforcement.

The conversation highlighted a broader concern regarding the availability of suitable vehicles for law enforcement, with indications that other brands are not providing options that meet the necessary specifications for police work. The SRT Durango was identified as the best available choice for the county's needs.

The meeting concluded with no further questions from the commissioners, and a motion was entertained to proceed with the recommendation for the new vehicle. This decision is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the traffic enforcement unit, ultimately contributing to improved safety and law enforcement effectiveness in Effingham County.