The California State University, Stanislaus Police Department has purchased its first patrol car in five years.
University Police used self-generated funding, rather than state funds, to purchase the Chevrolet Camaro for $27,249.
After the 1994 economic downturn that led to steep state budget cuts, the department developed a plan to offset cuts by generating its own revenue. The department generates its own revenue by processing parking tickets for three community colleges and six other state universities. This program recently won the Department the California Public Parking Association’s Parking Program of the Year Award.
The use of funds generated by the department are restricted, and can only be used by the department.
“It became clear a few years ago that continual challenges with state funding meant we had to adapt and assess our entire operation,” said Chief Steve Jaureguy.
This winning program helped the department purchase a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro from a local car dealer. The Camaro is part of the department’s effort to green and downsize its fleet by phasing out less fuel-efficient full-size sedans with V8 engines.
In 2008, the department implemented a five-year plan to increase its vehicle fuel efficiency, lower its carbon emissions and, if possible, use alternative fuels. The lighter two-door Camaro, which was a finalist for Motor Trends 2010 Car of the Year Award, joins the fleet that includes bicycles, two Segways and two E-Z-GO electric cars.
“The long list of safety and performance features in this compact car, using a V6 engine, is just remarkable,” Jaureguy said.