Police chief wants SUVs, says some officers too large for Chargers

Albuquerque police patrol vehicles may be getting a bit bigger.The Albuquerque Police Department switched to Dodge Chargers for patrol vehicles a few years ago. They had been using Ford Crown Victorias for many years, but the switch meant a more powerful engine.Now Chief Gorden Eden is interested in switching to Ford Explorers, or small sport utility vehicles.Eden said some officers are too large to fit into the Chargers, and they can fit more comfortably into an SUV.Eden said Explorers cost less than Chargers, which cost about $43,000. He also said there's greater visibility for the officer behind the wheel, and larger vehicles will be more visible to drivers.The department currently has one Ford Explorer as part of a test run.

Albuquerque police patrol vehicles may be getting a bit bigger.

The Albuquerque Police Department switched to Dodge Chargers for patrol vehicles a few years ago. They had been using Ford Crown Victorias for many years, but the switch meant a more powerful engine.


Now Chief Gorden Eden is interested in switching to Ford Explorers, or small sport utility vehicles.

Eden said some officers are too large to fit into the Chargers, and they can fit more comfortably into an SUV.

Eden said Explorers cost less than Chargers, which cost about $43,000. He also said there's greater visibility for the officer behind the wheel, and larger vehicles will be more visible to drivers.

The department currently has one Ford Explorer as part of a test run.