La Plata town council, police agree to replace vehicle after collision

On Nov. 8, the La Plata Police Department met with the La Plata Town Council to discuss two proposals necessary for the department to continue effective community policing.

Police Chief Carl Schin- ner sent a written request to the town staff on Nov. 6 about the purchase of a police vehicle and the up-fitting expense for the replacement car.

“On Oct. 10, 2016, a La Plata police officer was involved in a collision in front of University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center,” Schinner said. “Our of- ficer was looking at the computer. He openly admitted that he was wrong. The Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) is replacing the vehicle.”

According to a LGIT adjuster, the cruiser is a total loss. City clerk Danielle Mandley said the insurance company will provide $28,000 to replace the vehicle.

Schinner said the LGIT settlement is enough to purchase a new Ford Police Utility Interceptor cruiser and cover the cost for the graphics. Howev- er, it is insufficient to replace the cruiser’s emer- gency equipment. He said the cost for the equipment removal, new equipment and equipment installa- tion is not budgeted, as the accident was unforeseen and the department currently does not have a spare marked vehicle.

The council heard Schinner present both proposals. The first proposal would authorize the Town of La Plata to enter into a contract with Hunt Ford to purchase an additional cruiser, which will be paid for by the insurance payout on the totaled car — a total cost of $26,912.

The second proposal is to authorize additional funding to install other equipment from Breck- ford Corporation, such as lights, a siren and a printer, making the car roadworthy when it is received, according to the police department. Breckford is the company the department uses to equip new police cars.

Mayor Roy G. Hale said the town council’s consen- sus was in favor of both of the police department’s proposals.

“It was unanimously approved by the coun- cil,” Hale said. “We have a specified number of officers that are on duty, so this will provide the equipment that we need to ensure that all the offi- cers can serve effectively.”

Schinner said Breckford Corporation will also be removing the in-car camera, police radio and computer stand from the crashed car. The Town of La Plata Public Works Department will remove all other equipment.

“The new cruiser will be outfitted with the same equipment the other Ford Police Utility Interceptors currently contain,” Schinner said. “The cost of removing and reinstalling the radio, computer stand and in-car camera system is CCI $950. The cost of equipment and labor for the emergency equipment $8,800. The total cost of equipment removal, new equipment and equipment installation is $9,750.”

The contract awarded to Hunt Ford includes a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, all wheel drive vehicle to be purchased in ebony color with rear window power delete, courtesy lamp and chimes disabled, driver LED spotlight, heated mirror, noise suppression bonds, rear door handles and locks inoperable, and an extra set of keys.

Town Manager Daniel Mears said the proposals will be considered for adoption by the town council at the business meeting on Nov. 22.