POWDER SPRINGS, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Like all Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies, the Powder Springs Police Department depends on its patrol cars.
"It's the life's blood. It's how we get from one place to the other in a timely manor," said Powder Springs Police Chief Charlie Sewell.
But Sewell said his department's cars are in critical condition because they have too many miles on them.
"Our cars right now are averaging about 92,000 miles, with some as low as 60,000 and some well over 100,000," Sewell said.
Sewell said some cars have more than 150,000 miles and said that puts his officers and the public in danger.
"I could take a car with 400,000 miles on it and feel comfortable driving to California and back, but I would not take that same car and try to make a high speed response to someone's home in an emergency. The higher the mileage, the front ends get loose, the metal is fatigued and the car is just not safe," said Sewell.
He said the problem is made worse because many of the cruisers run 24 hours a day. Sewell has asked the Power Springs City Council for new cars, but because of the economic environment, it's not clear if the city can or will replace them.
CBS Atlanta News tried contacting members of the City Council, but no one was immediately available. Sewell said he's hoping the council will do the right thing.
"I'd like to see several cars every three years. If we could get the cars we are asking for right now, then every three years get new cars now. I don't mean a complete new fleet, but just add additional cars every three years so we'd always have something fresh," said Sewell.
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