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Takoma Park police propose three hybrid patrol cars, two mobile camera trailers; officers cite limits of current electric pursuit vehicles
Summary
Chief Duvall told council the department will buy three marked hybrid patrol vehicles (pushing two replacements to next year) and two additional mobile camera trailers; staff cited concerns about electric pursuit‑rated vehicle range and local charging infrastructure as reasons to favor hybrids now.
Chief Duvall presented a work‑session briefing on planned purchases for the police fleet and mobile camera trailers. The department proposed acquiring three marked hybrid patrol vehicles this year (down from an originally planned five) after the vehicle‑replacement committee evaluated fiscal prudence and operational needs. The hybrids are marked vehicles intended for daily patrol use; the department said hybrids are available now and satisfy current operational and supply constraints.
On electric vehicles, the chief explained that while a pursuit‑rated electric model (Chevy Blazer) exists, local experience and peer jurisdictions have raised concerns about batteries' ability to hold charge for long patrol shifts and about the availability of reliable charging infrastructure. The department already uses electric vehicles for non‑patrol roles and parking‑enforcement tasks, but staff said fully converting patrol vehicles requires more charging infrastructure and evaluation of maintenance and charging costs.
The police also requested two additional mobile camera trailers to expand coverage. Staff described the trailers as mobile deterrents deployed in response to incident reports or resident requests; deployments are typically situational (often a two‑week cycle), and the department moves trailers when residents object or to address hotspot activity.
Councilmembers asked for comparative cost and lifecycle information on EVs versus hybrids and suggested the city review charging infrastructure timelines and possible pilot testing. Staff said the city’s newly authorized EV chargers at city facilities will support longer‑term evaluation and agreed to provide a fuller cost comparison for a future procurement packet.
No formal procurement vote occurred at the work session; councilmembers discussed inserting a clause in next week’s ordinance language to reflect the city’s climate commitments and explain the rationale for selecting hybrids at this time.
