CLERMONT, Fla. — The Clermont Police Department is pushing for take-home police vehicles because they said the ones they have get so much wear and tear.
The problem they face is that each new car would cost about $40,000.
Police said maintenance costs are through the roof as they try to keep the cars on the road.
They said one reason for all the wear and tear on the cars is that officers share them and because officers are on the road 24/7, the city can go through a car quickly.
Over the past three years the city has bought 20 cars. Next year, the department will need to buy 12.
Department leaders believe allowing each of their officers to have a take home car will save money.
"Our maintenance costs would be reduced," Capt. Charles Vitale, of the Clermont Police Department, said.
He said it would help to reduce response times as well.
Police said it takes up to 30 minutes for officers to load a vehicle and complete maintenance checks before they can start work. Police officials said there are times when officers have to pass a crime scene on the way to work, load into vehicles and then go back.
The police union recently gave a presentation to the council about the plan. They even included an Eyewitness News story on the leasing plan that Groveland police used to buy new cars.
Some Clermont residents believe it's a good idea to allow officers to have take-home cars.
"Having them in their own neighborhoods is a good thing. It helps deter crime in that area. In my opinion, it seems to keep things safe," resident Russ Prine said.
Right now, police said they have about 20 cars that are assigned to officers, so they hoping to expand the program. They said only officers who live within 20 miles of Clermont will be eligible for a take-home car.
WFTV
