Salina Police unveiled the new line of street cruisers approved by the City during a media conference Tuesday.

Chief Brad Nelson says the 8 new Ford Explorers will provide more room for officers and their gear – plus better traction.

“The all-wheel drive you almost have to have it,” he said.

“The rear-wheel drive vehicle is very tough in just about any amount of snow. W e were borrowing 4-wheel drives in the past.”

According to Chief Nelson, each unit is $27,000 with a cost of $9,000 per vehicle to equip it for police work.

A partition made of metal and plexiglass to protect officers from suspects seated in the back – along with cameras computers and the exterior light bar add to the packages price tag.

Chief Nelson explained the vehicles were purchased locally at Long McArthur Ford, while the detail work was also done in Salina. “We had some really good bids. The local Ford dealership won and we’re really impressed with them so far,” he commented.

Chief Nelson added his officers had a hand in designing the new white graphics on the black paint – with a tip of the hat to the formation of the Salina Police Department.

“That’s how long there’s been a Salina Police Department  since 1920,” he said.

“We did some research and they had City Marshalls before that – but the Salina Police Department was formed in 1920.”

According to the department, 1 of the new cruisers is on the street – while 4 more are in different stages of being modified for street duty.

Three more are on order and should be modified and rolled out by the end of the year.