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DPS acquires new Dodge Stratuses for use in patrols

Brand-new white sedans emblazoned with the blue letter M and the words 'Public Safety' can be spotted around campus.

The Department of Public Safety this month acquired at least three new Dodge Stratuses for use in security and patrolling campus.

The University bought 35 new Stratuses for about $12,000 each because the older sedans were showing extensive wear, said Pat Cunningham, director of the Department of Transportation.

"We feel that the maintenance and the general condition of the vehicles warrant replacing the vehicles," he said.

Cunningham said the security vehicles are usually replaced after three years due to high usage.

Bob Pifer, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, agreed that the cars sustain a lot of wear.

"We drive them day in and day out," Pifer said.

Chris Spork, a shift lieutenant at DPS, said, "Any fleet vehicle seems to suffer a little less care that you give your own vehicle."

Cunningham estimates that each year more than 100 vehicles are replaced out of the 840 in the fleet, which includes large and small trucks, station wagons and sedans.

Pifer said they are similar to the older sedans. "(The new cars) have a different name, but it is about the same car," he said.

Spork, who has driven the new cars, said he likes the look of the Dodge Stratus. "They're really nice-looking cars. They smell good," he said.

Cunningham said many of the drivers of the new sedans have responded well. "They're very roomy in the back. We have a lot of positive feedback about the backseat and the space," he said.

Pifer said that the bold markings on the cars have a purpose. "(People who need assistance) will know right away it's a security car," he said.

After putting out vehicle specifications to 35 dealerships in Michigan that represent the Big Three auto companies, the University takes the lowest bid. Cunningham said the Department of Transportation pays comparatively low prices for these vehicles.

Cunningham said these four-door sedans are "the least expensive of that size that we can buy."

He adds that while the sticker price comes close to $16,000, a new Dodge Stratus cost the University only $12,487.