SEAL BEACH : 5 New Police Cars Will Bump the Old

You don’t have to tell Seal Beach police officers about the financial problems that have beset the city over the past few years.

They are reminded of it every time they patrol the streets in the Police Department’s aging fleet of 10 cruisers, half of which have more than 100,000 miles on them.

Despite the city’s efforts to keep the cars in shape, their age often shows, from the worn seats that are hard on officers’ backs to those mysterious rattling noises. Occasionally, the cars have stalled while on the job.

But help is on the way.

Next week, the department will receive four new patrol cars, and a fifth should arrive later this year. The city plans to pay for the vehicles from assets seized during narcotics investigations, said City Manager Jerry L. Bankston.

Both police and city officials said the new cars will help officers do their jobs better. “If your car goes out when you are on a call for a baby drowning, it could mean the difference between life and death,” said Police Lt. Kenny Mollohan. “This is a community safety issue.”

The new patrol cars cost about $18,000 each, he said.

Officers don’t hide their displeasure with the old vehicles, which might be sold to a private security firm once the new cars arrive. The old ones are so unpopular that department officials require a certain number of them to be used during each shift. This prevents some of the newer cruisers--purchased two years ago--from being worn out too quickly, Mollohan said.

Though the old cars have caused no serious problems, their bumpy ride, uncomfortable seats and squeaky brakes make long rides a taxing experience, officers report.

“These cars are like their offices,” Mollohan said. “They’re in them 12 hours a day. Officers prefer the newer cars. They know the air conditioners are going to work and that it’s easier to get in and out of them.”

City officials, who have expressed concern about the advancing age of some police vehicles, generally support the purchases.

“I don’t see this as an extravagance,” said Councilman William J. Doane. “I know (Police Chief Bill Stearns) has used his equipment a lot longer than some of his counterparts.”