VIPD Admits 40 New Patrol Cars Unused for a Year

Senators express frustration over administrative delays as $10.6 million fleet faces prolonged inactivity, despite full vendor payment and critical need for patrol units

During Monday’s hearing of the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, lawmakers were shocked to learn that some much-needed police vehicles had been sitting unused for an extended period of time.‌

In the last fiscal year, VIPD used $10,608,860.24 in funding from the America Rescue Plan Act to purchase 157 vehicles. Most are in use - approximately 80% according to Acting Commissioner Mario Brooks. However, from his line of questioning, Senator Novelle Francis elicited an admission from Mr. Brooks that approximately 40 vehicles destined to become patrol units had been sitting at the Department of Property & Procurement for about a year - one third of their designated 3-year service lifespan.‌