Divided Council OKs Replacing Police Cars

In a rare display of disunity, the City Council split this week on whether to spend about $120,000 for five new police cars.

Council members Paul F. Walker and Eva Miner Bradford voted against the proposal after arguing that the city is buying replacement cars sooner than necessary.

Walker said that, in view of the city’s strained budget, it would be prudent to reconsider how quickly police cars are replaced. Walker said he had compared La Palma’s car-replacement policy with that of other Orange County cities and found that the others typically wait longer.

“I think we should reconsider this system,” Walker said. “I think it’s a little aggressive.”

Bradford agreed. She said that early replacement of police cars may be something La Palma can no longer afford.

“If other cities are not doing it, why are we?” she asked.

Police Chief David S. Barr said the city’s long-standing policy has been to replace insignia-painted police cars every two years and plain cars every five years. He said the city gets better resale value that way and also avoids expensive maintenance costs.

“That policy has been in place 10 years,” Barr said, but added: “It may be time to reevaluate it.”

Councilwoman Alta E. Duke said she saw no reason to change the system, however.