NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and WeatherAlbemarle County Police Department Rolls Out New Fleet

Albemarle County Police Department Rolls Out New Fleet

Friday night marks the end of an era at the Albemarle County Police Department. A brand new police cruiser hit the streets Friday and the department will gradually phase out those familiar Ford Crown Victorias.

Police Departments traditionally favor Crown Victorias, but Ford discontinued that model. When it came time to add to their fleet, Albemarle County police had to look elsewhere. The department settled on the 2012 Chevrolet Caprice and it is designed specifically for law enforcement.

The new model is roomier and offers better fuel economy. The handling is also improved. That is especially helpful on twisty country roads. The department says the new car symbolizes their own internal changes over the years. 

"They wanted a way to represent to the community and to the public a fresh beginning, a new commitment to the community, a new look, a more efficient vehicle that gets better gas mileage, and something they can take pride in," said Albemarle County Chief Steve Sellers.

The new Caprice also has new graphics, which will be on every new cruiser. In all, the county purchased seven new Caprices. The other six will arrive in the coming weeks.