Stockbridge Buys Vehicles, Equipment for New Police Officers

Stockbridge approved vehicle and equipment purchases for new police officers during their January 31, 2023 council meeting. The city is adding additional officers following the recent annexation of new residents.

Stockbridge city limits increased by 6,500 residents effective January 1, 2023. City officials are adding ten new officers in response.

Stockbridge received a Department of Justice grant at the end of last year. The grant provides $1.25 million to the city. Grant funds are helping pay for the ten new officers.

New Stockbridge Vehicles 2023

Stockbridge budgeted $794,000 this year to buy new police vehicles. This week’s purchase consists of twelve new patrol cars. They will cost the city $791,643. This amount also includes the cost of in-car radios.

The new vehicles will come from Wade Ford of Smyrna — a state contract holder for police vehicles. They will be 2023 Ford Utility Police Interceptors with EcoBoost engines. Delivery could require up to six months because of inventory constraints.

Councilman Alexander inquired about the availability of electric vehicles. Stockbridge Police Chief Trammer responded there are few electric options presently available for patrol operations. This is in large part due to range constraints. For example, a patrol vehicle typically travels 120–170 miles each day. This excludes additional distance for officers who take their patrol cars homes.

Trammer added departments with electric vehicles now often use them for administrative purposes. The chief expressed optimism that electric options for police vehicles will improve with time.

Officers’ Equipment

In addition, the council approved several equipment purchases. These items will be in use by the city’s ten new officers. They include the following:

• Purchase of ten tasers and body-worn cameras at an amount of $66,820, and
• Purchase of eleven two-way radios at a cost of $68,345.75.

The police department’s annual budget will pay for the items.

Featured image shows Stockbridge Police Vehicle. Clayton Carte photo.