SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
The Crown Victoria, a trusted old partner for police across the country, is finally retiring. The car has been discontinued after nearly 19 years.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan police are putting a new partner through the paces, the Ford Police Interceptor. The car is basically a Taurus but redesigned with better handling needed for police work. On Friday, officers whipped through tight corners, getting a feel for how each car handles. But the Interceptor has some competition.
In January, SCMPD ordered 10 Chevrolet Caprices. A few select officers are getting the chance to drive both cars and help decide which one ends up replacing the Crown Vic.
"We are going to put them on the street. All the officers that are here today are going to drive each one. Each are going to have seat time in the car and patrol time in the car, and at the end of the six month evaluation period, then that's when we want to get their opinions," said Gary Taylor, SCMPD training director.
Officers will tell Chief Willie Lovett which car they like best. At the end of the day, it will be up to the city council and county commission to decide which one hits the street.
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