Scituate council approves trade‑in and purchase of used pickup for police department

The Scituate Town Council voted July 24 to authorize trading three decommissioned vehicles plus $1,000 in federal asset‑forfeiture funds to purchase a used 2014 Ford F‑150 (VIN ending 8947) from Johnson Auto Sales LLC for police departmental use.

Police Chief (unnamed in the record) described the department’s fleet needs and said the three vehicles proposed for trade had limited remaining value: a 2015 Dodge Charger (VIN ending 5271), a 2015 Ford Explorer (VIN ending 1143) and a 2002 Nissan Altima (VIN ending 7339). The chief said department mechanics and Department of Public Works staff had inspected the F‑150 and “feel it’s an excellent deal,” adding that the department needs an unmarked vehicle for investigative surveillance that would not be suitable as a marked patrol car.

Council discussion focused on vehicle condition and appropriate use of asset‑forfeiture funds. The chief explained that vehicles purchased with asset‑forfeiture money have restrictions, and the department views the F‑150 as a better operational fit than repairing or attempting to reuse the older vehicles. After members moved and seconded the motion, the council voted by voice and the chair announced “the ayes have it.” The motion passed and the purchase will proceed under the town’s purchasing procedures.

Council members did not record an individual roll‑call vote in the broadcast record. The police chief said the trade is preferable to acquiring a marked patrol car for undercover surveillance or to keeping aging vehicles that are no longer cost‑effective to maintain. The transaction includes the specified VINs and $1,000 from the federal asset forfeiture account toward the acquisition.

The council’s action concluded the meeting; the purchase will be processed through the town’s purchasing and fleet maintenance channels.