The Stevens Campus Police Department has begun its familiar patrols around Castle Point in new style: four brand-new Dodge Durangos have partially replaced the existing fleet of squad cars, and are intended to improve the preparedness and efficiency of the department. Evan Papageorge from The Stute spoke with Chief of Police Timothy Griffin to learn more.
Ordered in April 2023 with an expected shipping date of October or November of the same year, the new cars didn’t arrive until this month. They were worth the wait, however, according to Chief Griffin: the vehicles boast new features that will improve the ability of department members to operate reliably and effectively across campus. A camera viewing system allows officers to remotely view campus camera feeds, and office work infrastructure allows them to complete paper-based and computer work right from their squad cars.
The new cars are also a mix of the familiar marked cars and “shadow” cars. According to Griffin, shadow cars appear unmarked during the day but display markings at night when the headlines are turned on. The new Dodge Durangos are gas powered; while hybrids were initially preferred, Chief Griffin revealed that they remain on a waiting list for the latest hybrid models, which the department hopes will replace the remainder of the aging fleet.
That fleet, he said, is over eight years old, is in need of constant repair, and even has cars permanently out of commission. Replacing these cars has been a major goal of the Chief, and he says that all the officers are thrilled with the purchase. With more reliable vehicles, he says, his force will be more efficient, save money and time, and will be as prepared as possible to protect the safety of students and the surrounding community.
