Cruising in Style
GPD buys 14 new patrol units

Ryan John, a graphics technician with Hinkley Signs, finishes applying the vinyl decals on the side of one of the 14 new black and white Gallup Police cruisers at the Hinkley Signs' shop on Friday afternoon. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — The Gallup Police Department's patrol units will have a new, sleeker look.

The agency purchased 14 new vehicles, which are scheduled to be in service within the next few weeks. At least seven of the units will be on the streets by March 23. The rest are awaiting the installment of additional police equipment.

Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman for the Gallup Police Department, said the vehicles were purchased through the agency's general fund and cost about $25,000 each. She said the agency was in desperate need of new patrol cars because some of the older vehicles have more than 200,000 miles on them.

Department officials went through a bidding process with three local businesses to determine who would find, paint and stock the vehicles. Officials decided to hire Gurley Motor Company to do the work. The company offered the department a "turn key package," which means the Ford Crown Victorias come fully equipped with the proper police equipment.

The vehicles come with a black hood, white body and black rear. The Gallup Police Department emblem is imprinted on the side, along with the department's Web site address on the vehicle's back side. The vehicles' back seats are vinyl instead of carpet, which will come in handy when it comes to cleaning. They also feature a drainage system that will allow officers to drain anything left behind by detainees.

Toadlena-Pablo said the new vehicles also look more professional and will only help the department's ongoing recruiting effort.