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Lake Wales police seek approval to replace and add patrol vehicles; EVs ruled impractical now
Summary
Lieutenant Emmanuel Figueroa requested the purchase of seven police vehicles (five fully equipped SUVs and two Mustangs) and disposition of surplus vehicles; commissioners asked about electric models and were told current infrastructure and emergency reliability favor petroleum models.
Lieutenant Emmanuel Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department asked the commission for authorization to purchase seven police vehicles — five fully equipped Chevy Tahoes and two Ford Mustangs — and to surplus 10 older vehicles. He said the replacements were budgeted and that purchases would use cooperative procurement agreements and a local dealership.
Commissioners asked whether electric vehicles were considered. Figueroa said the department had evaluated EV use but concluded current charging infrastructure and operational reliability during emergencies made EVs impractical for patrol and response roles: 'We've looked into it... there's just not enough infrastructure that we have to support electric vehicles for law enforcement purposes.' He added the department maintains an on‑site fuel supply and generators to ensure continuity during storms.
The work session included questions about funding; staff said the vehicles were included in the current budget and would likely be purchased through collective agreements to achieve better pricing. No formal vote was taken at the work session; staff will return with the purchase agenda item for commission action.
