The Police Department (PD) assesses the fleet of patrol vehicles regularly to determine the need for adding additional vehicles and/or replacement of worn vehicles and associated equipment. As part of the preparation of the new fiscal year operating budget, staff conducted an evaluation of the fleet. This evaluation consisted of an examination of vehicle age, mileage, usage, maintenance costs, uniformity of equipment, and condition of interior/exterior. The vehicles were also analyzed for safety history and operating performance before a final determination was made to either maintain the vehicles and make necessary repairs and replace worn or non-uniform equipment or replace the vehicles. After a careful review, four patrol vehicles were identified for replacement.
Unit 226 – 2010 Ford Crown Victoria - 65,276 miles – Total repair cost from 2018 to 2020 - $9,283.77
This vehicle needs an ECM, which is the main vehicle computer. Due to the age of the vehicle, this piece of equipment is not readily available. The going price is approximately $500. This price does not include the cost of programming, which can only be done at a Ford dealership. When the ECM completely stops working, the vehicle can unexpectedly stall and become unsafe to drive.
Unit 237 – 2011 Ford Crown Victoria – K-9 Vehicle - 83,000 miles – Total repair cost from 2018 to 2020 - $10,870.00
This vehicle is now being used as our K-9 vehicle due to the accident of our original K-9 vehicle. This vehicle was never intended to be used as a K-9 vehicle because it’s not properly outfitted. In the last three (3) months, the vehicle has experienced numerous issues with the A/C not working, which could potentially be a dangerous if the A/C fails and the dog is left inside the vehicle. The vehicle has approximately over 1,000 idling hours on the engine, which is causing engine and A/C problems. In the last year, the vehicle was taken in for numerous repairs totaling the amount above. Additionally, the vehicle’s airbag sensor light is also “on” which is indicator that the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of an accident. Lastly, on July 1, 2020 the vehicle's engine ceased due to the high mileage and on-going engine problems. The cost to replace the engine would be approximately $8,500 or more, not including labor. Due to the high miles and other mechanical problems, we believe the vehicle is beyond repair. As a result of this, the Officer assigned as the K-9 handler is unable to work with his K-9 partner "Bas."
Unit 238 – 2011 Ford Crown Victoria – 106,459 miles – Total repair cost from 2018 to 2020 - $6,284.50
This vehicle needs a new catalytic converter and has been out of service since December of 2019. Currently, the vehicle will not pass a smog check. The cost to replace the catalytic converter would be approximately $1000 or more, not including labor. Due to the high miles and other mechanical problems, we have decided not to repair this vehicle for now.
Unit 230 – 2010 Ford Crown Victoria – 74,382 miles – Total repair cost from 2018 to 2020 - $3,740.96
This vehicle is used often by patrol. However just this week the radio has stopped working and it could be part of the ongoing radio issues. The vehicle’s transmission was overhauled in March of 2019 and the warranty does not expire until March 2020.
As a brief history, Ford Motor Company discontinued production of the Crown Victoria in 2011. Given this change, police departments throughout Los Angeles County and the United States needed to make significant changes to their fleets. The PD began researching and evaluating different makes and models of vehicles. The models evaluated included the Dodge Charger Pursuit, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, and both of the new Ford Police Interceptor offerings (Utility and Eco Sedan). Staff evaluated and compared vehicle performance, road handling, gas economy, safety, cost, and ergonomics. The PD also relied heavily on thorough road test reviews of each of these vehicles conducted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). After careful consideration, staff selected the Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle.
During the 2015 fiscal year, City Council authorized the purchase of three Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles for our patrol fleet. These vehicles have proven to be dependable and have met or exceeded our expectations. It is staff’s goal to outfit the remainder of the patrol fleet with these vehicles.
Bell Gardens Municipal Code Section 3.04.100(E) provides that, “When supplies, services or equipment can be produced from a supplier who offers the same or better price, terms and/or conditions as the supplier previously offered as the lowest responsible bidder under competitive procurement conducted by another city or public agency; provided, that the competitive procurement process of the other agency meets or exceeds the standards of the city, is for like or greater quantities, includes all known bidders and that, in the opinion of the purchasing officer, it is in the best interest of the city.”
On April 19, 2018, the CHP Department of General Services issued an Invitation for Bid for the purchase of Enforcement Vehicles, Police Pursuit. On December 3, 2019, Folsom Lake Ford was awarded a Procurement Contract # 1-18-23-14B. Due to the Procurement nature of the agreement between Folsom Lake Ford and the CHP, and pursuant to Bell Gardens Municipal Code Section 3.04.100(E), the City may avail itself of the benefits provided to the CHP by Folsom Lake Ford, without having to go through the competitive bidding process.