Dozens of police cars drove out of Bob Williams Parkway Monday showing off the Covington Police Department’s new fleet.

Monday was the rollout of the CPD’s new assigned vehicle program, giving every patrol officer a vehicle to drive to, during and from work.

The CPD added 19 cars, and moved some “swap vehicles” to be assigned vehicles, giving all of its 53 sworn officers assigned vehicles.

“This is a huge day for the Covington Police Department,” CPD Chief Stacey Cotton said. “I’ve been here over 40 years and I didn’t think I ever would see assigned vehicle for the Covington Police officers. This is truly a milestone.”
For years Officers of the Police Department have had to share a limited number of vehicles, which meant any particular vehicle was, in most cases, being used 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. This excessive use caused extensive wear on the vehicles and required more regular maintenance and repair.

Prior to Monday, the excessive wear on patrol vehicles had an average life span was approximately two-to-three years. With the new assigned vehicle program, where each officer is personally responsible for the upkeep and regular maintenance of the vehicle, the estimated life span for a patrol vehicle will be approximately 6-7 years, according to a CPD press release.

The added vehicles will increase the department’s presence on the street and improve reaction times.
“When you’re coming into work or leaving work, people are going to see a lot more cars,” Cotton told members of his department.

The 19 new Dodge Chargers were purchased from Ginn Chrysler Jeep Dodge for $456,228, plus an additional $358,798 to add computer equipment and other equipment to cars after approval during an October city council meeting.

“We’re very proud of it, and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the hard work of (the city council),” Cotton said. “This is a huge capital outlay for the Covington Police Department.”