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Sheriff cites escape attempts, commissioners approve new transport van and two patrol SUVs
Summary
Sheriff Larry "Ray" Newton told commissioners there have been attempts to escape from the current transport vehicle and recommended a 2024 RAM Promaster; the board approved the van purchase and two 2025 Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs and authorized a bunk repair.
Sheriff Larry "Ray" Newton told the board the department's current prisoner transport vehicle is a 2014 Dodge Caravan that lacks secure features and that "there have been several attempts to escape out of the current vehicle." He presented three quotes and recommended a 2024 RAM Promaster conversion from FR Conversion at $82,667 because, he said, the vehicle would allow the department to "shackle the inmates' legs if required." Commissioners approved the FR Conversion quote by unanimous vote.
Newton also presented quotes to replace two high-mileage patrol vehicles and recommended two 2025 Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs with V8 engines; the board approved purchasing two Durangos from Thomas Dodge in Highland, Indiana for $43,887 each. Newton presented a Briner bid not to exceed $5,000 to repair a flexing bunk in the older portion of the jail; commissioners approved that repair. Newton also presented a $105,158 estimate for refurbishment of 25 cells but noted no budget to pay for that work at this time.
