PANTHER PATROL
Ashdown campus law enforcement car will prowl and growl for security, traffic safety
A “smart patrol car” will use a Panther’s growl along with the sound of a siren if an officer is required to make a traffic stop.
The car was been purchased by the Little River County Sheriff’s Department to patrol the campuses in the Ashdown School District.
The car deliberately makes a sound of a growl instead of the call of a siren. “It’s an attention getter,” Walraven said.
Little River County Sheriff Bobby Walraven approved the purchase.
The cost of the new Smart car is $12,000, along with customization.
“I knew it was a no-brainer to use the grant for the car purchase and save the county money at the same time,” Walraven said.
Walraven came up with the idea while trying to replace county vehicles with the most efficient use of taxpayer money.
“Other officers thought it was a joke, but after driving the car and learning the price would be covered by the grant, I knew it would be a great way to provide Officer (Stephanie) Boyer an efficient and economical way to travel between campuses and show school spirit for the Ashdown schools,” Walraven said.
Boyer is an Ashdown school resource officer. She travels between the four campuses daily and enjoys the customization of purple and gold lights and Panther “growl” provided by Pro Com and the “wrap” provided by Digital Effects. The purple and gold color matches the school colors.
“The Ashdown students and staff love the car and (it) helps to make an officer more approachable by the younger students,” Walraven said.
Boyer will drive other county patrol vehicles when not working as the resource officer.
“We value our partnership and the support of our local law enforcement and everything that they do each day to help keep our students safe. Our No. 1 priority, along with the Sheriff’s Office is for the safety of our students,” said Ashdown School District Superintendent Casey Nichols.