Plymouth Police Chief to purchase 7 vehicles, updated council on officer training

At Monday night’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the Plymouth Police Department was approved to seek bids to purchase seven new patrol vehicles.

Police Chief John Weir said he budgeted for seven vehicles this year and is working to get back on a regular rotation basis due to the lack of vehicle availability during COVID. 

Councilman Don Ecker asked the chief what he planned to buy, and Weir said, “I’m looking at four or five Tahoes and two or three Ford Hybrid Explorers, depending on their time frame.”  He said they received the hybrid ordered last year, but it is not on the road yet because they are still waiting for equipment.

Ecker asked about the delay, and the chief said Ford had changed the windshield design, throwing everything out of whack. He expects the equipment to be delivered by the end of next week, which will take a couple of weeks to install.      

The chief said the new Tahoes have been used for several months, and the officers seem to like them. 

Councilman Duane Culp asked about pricing, and the police chief said the Tahoes cost about $2,000 more than the hybrid Explorers. When asked why he went with the Tahoes, the chief said he could get them the next day, while the Ford hybrids took almost five months. Chief Weir noted the room was another significant factor. The Tahoe has a larger seat, and there is more room in the rear for necessary equipment.

The Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved the Police Chief’s request to seek bids for new patrol vehicles.

Councilman Ecker also commented to the chief about the 2024 numbers compared to 2023 and said the officers are doing an “outstanding” job.  He said, “I saw a lot of positive activity, and I think it is showing.”

Chief Weir thanked him for the comment and said he would share it with the officers.  He also said Riley White graduated from the academy in December and is currently undergoing Field Training.  He should be on the road by the end of April.  Triston Allan is at the academy and will graduate before the end of April.  He will go through the Field Training process and should be on routine patrol before Blueberry.