By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Public Safety top brass reported the deployment of 31 new vehicles into service this week.
“The rollout of these new vehicles is an important step in supporting our crime reduction operations,” Director Fragé said.
“Deputy Director Morris, Chief Miranda, and I thank Mayor Baraka and the Newark City Council for their support to ensure that our officers can utilize the latest and most effective public safety equipment for serving our community.”
“We applaud the arrival of these new vehicles as some of our older cars have been put out of service due to their age, along with wear and tear,” Chief Miranda said.
“Many of our police vehicles remain on the road for several hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why we are grateful to add these updated models to our fleet.”
The new 2022 hybrid Ford Explorer Police Vehicles, featuring an all-wheel-drive powertrain, are ideal for police use due to the potential for idle-time fuel and cost savings.
When police vehicles are stationary, a conventional gas engine must run continuously to power emergency lights, radios, computers, and other onboard electrical equipment.
The hybrid powertrain of the newly deployed Newark Police vehicles allows the engine to shut off for extended periods, powering the electrical equipment via a lithium-ion hybrid battery, reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions.
The new marked Police vehicles will be distributed to all six Newark Police precincts to be used for patrol and for responding to calls for service.
A total of 150 new vehicles have been ordered, and all are expected to be put into service by year-end 2024.