Actions

Over a dozen Petersburg Police squad cars need repair

Posted at 6:38 PM, Sep 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-20 19:54:06-04

PETERSBURG, Va. – There are nearly two dozen Petersburg Police cars sitting at the city garage, waiting to have mechanical problems fixed and to pass inspection.

"There have been some issues,” said Bill Rohde, Interim Police Chief.

Including at times, a shortage of patrol cars, which forced officers to double up in some patrol cars.

"We have had that sometimes while we're waiting for shift change, for short periods of time,” Rohde acknowledged.

“Ours is aging [fleet] but at this point we're able to answer our calls and put people on the streets,” he said.

Some cars patrolling the streets date back to 2005, but Chief Rohde says effective immediately they will get the parked cars fixed.

The city is allowing the Police Department to take over maintenance of their fleet, and two vendors in the city have agreed to do the work.

"If we can get two or three cars a day coming back out, we'll be in good shape,” Rohde said.

The city of Petersburg sent CBS 6 a statement that read:

"The City will continue to follow its vehicle repair policy and will use designated employees within each agency to identify needed repairs and guide the process though to the City’s approved vendors.  The City is hopeful that this adjustment will streamline the repair process to return vehicles back to operation quickly."

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.