Providence Plans on Replacing Aging Cruisers With SUVs

The city of Providence, R.I., is replacing some of its police cruisers with sport utility vehicles.

The Providence Journal reports six dealers have submitted bids to supply the department with 40 Ford Police Utility Interceptors.

The city has more than 100 vehicles in its fleet and has not purchased new cruisers in 3 1/2 years.

Steven Pare, the city’s public safety commissioner, says Ford is no longer making Crown Victorias cruisers, and many departments are making the switch to the SUVs.

The city also plans to buy 15 undercover vehicles and a new transport van.

Pare says the department is expected to take a couple of weeks to select a bid, and the vehicles should begin arriving in October.