ROME --
Rome police are adding two Polaris electric vehicles and hope to add two more very soon. The all-electric vehicles have a top speed of 35 miles per hour and will mainly be used to patrol the downtown area. They will be equipped with police lights and sirens but only have two seats.
The Polaris vehicles cost approximately $15,000 compared to more than $30,000 for a traditional police cruiser. A traditional police cruiser also uses between $5000 and $8000 in gas each year. The electric vehicles will only need to be charged for eight hours a day.
The Rome Police will be purchasing all electric versions with lights, sirens and gear. .
"The electric ones we're looking at can get up to about 35 miles an hour. In the inner city, in this area, that's all we're going to need. the guys make an arrest, we'll call for another car to transport," said Commissioner of Public Safety Jim Masucci
Masucci says the small electric vehicles will be very useful on Rome's narrow alleys and one way streets. They will also be able to go off road or through tough snow conditions but will not be used for traffic detail since their top speed is 35 miles per hour.
Rome’s mayor says the city is also looking at using the electric vehicles for other departments including code enforcement and parks and recreation.
"In business, things change not everyday, they change sometimes every half hour. So that's what we're trying to do for the last few years is really empower people," said mayor Jim Brown. "Get them to open their minds up and be creative."
