Being from Hawaii, and having several uncles/cousins who are HPD employees, its always been that way. They get a nice subsidy to use their "personal" vehicles for work. Two of my cousins had a work vehicle and a personal vehicle, because it was much easier to have their car ready to go and they didn't need to sign one out every day. Just show up for work and you're ready to go.
I've seen all sorts of vehicles being used for cop cars in Honolulu, from typical Monte Carlos in the 80's, to Ford LTD's in the 70's, to Isuzu Rodeos in the 90's! And yes, they drive Highlanders, 4 runners and even a couple of Tundras have been seen with blue lights on their roofs!
The approved list of vehicles is more of a checklist of requirements a vehicle must have, not so much an actual list of makes/models. Here's some info if anyone's actually interested in it:
Subsidized vehicles are unique. With subsidized vehicles, the officer purchases or leases the vehicle. The vehicle must meet certain minimum standards. It cannot be a sports car, convertible, van or pickup. It cannot be powered by a diesel engine, nor can it be in service for more than eight years after initial purchase. However, special exceptions can be made—if approved, the vehicle can be used up to an additional two years.
The subsidized vehicle must be able to hold at least four adult male occupants in reasonable comfort and have seatbelt restraints for all occupants. The subsidized vehicle can be any color but must have a wheelbase of at least 100 inches and be powered by a V-8 engine. If a V-8 engine is not available for that particular model, the largest 6-cylinder engine available must be used. Departments that allow subsidized vehicles maintain a list of “approved” vehicles which is updated yearly.
The officer who has a subsidized vehicle gets a monthly stipend to cover the cost of purchasing or leasing the vehicle. This allowance is also intended to cover any maintenance and repairs, as well as insurance. Depending on the officer’s department and assignment, the stipend currently runs about $540 to $600 per month. The vehicle is upfitted by the department, which will install the two-way radio equipment, siren and emergency warning lighting, long-gun rack(s) and mobile data computers, if equipped.
The department will provide one gallon of gasoline for every 10 patrol miles and one quart of oil for every 500 miles. Oil may also be drawn, up to crankcase capacity, for a scheduled oil change. Officers are required to meticulously document official mileage on a daily basis, and the vehicles are subject to periodic inspections for cleanliness; condition; and to see that it meets legal requirements for lighting, window tinting and other conditions. It must also meet department regulations concerning items such as political bumper stickers.
And before anyone else thinks that cops in Hawaii should be worried about having a target on their backs at all times, you gotta remember, Hawaii is a totally different place from the rest of the country! Most folks are related in one way or another, and nobody messes with cops there unless they're crooked!
olice:
