Cooperative Purchase of New Police Cars Approved

The Township Council approved a cooperative purchase plan this week to buy up to 11 police cars.

Officials say three other municipalities, Clementon, Pine Hill and Voorhees, are also participating in an effort to get a better price with a larger purchase. The cars usually cost about $27,000, officials said. That cost does not include equipment such as lights and communication radios.

"This is the first time we've done this since I've been the chief," said Chief Harry Earle, who has been the township's top cop for three years.

Earle said the cars are bought annually to cycle into the 54-car fleet of police cruisers. He said police cars take far more wear and tear than personal cars and need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Cars cycle out of regular patrols to specialty patrols and then often for township use other than law enforcement, Earle said.

The township bought a $277,986 armored police rescue vehicle last month. That purchase raised some eyebrows because of the cost and because Camden County has a similar vehicle that can be used for tactical emergencies.

Earle said the armored vehicle was needed and will provide the ability to "immediately save lives" in an emergency situation.