The Calhoun Police Department has received the first eight of 27 new Dodge Chargers ordered this year to replace the old Ford Crown Victorias officers currently drive.

“The whole fleet should hit the road around the end of October, or first of November,” detective Lt. Tony Pyle said.

Together there will be 22, 2012 models and five, 2013 models, according to detective Lt. Tony Pyle

The majority of the 2006 police cars had more than 100,000 miles on them, he noted.

Calhoun City Police Chief Gary Moss said repair bills on the Crown Victorias were escalating — going from $16,130 in 2008 to $30,813 this fiscal year. Transmission replacements are costing taxpayers about $2,195 a month, he said.

“The increase rises as the ages of the vehicles go up,” Moss said.

Each new Charger comes with five-speed automatic rear wheel drive, all-speed traction control, high performance police tires, power door locks, speed control, push to start, keyless entry, inoperable door handles on the back, and plenty more, he said.

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