449 new cars have been purchased for the State Police: 40 Skoda Superbs with police paint exterior and nine without. The car has an increased engine power of 285 horsepower. The most powerful car is the non-labeled Volkswagen Tiguan R-line with 320 horsepower. The police will have nine such cars at their disposal.
“The cars are powerful. Comfortable, too. We have chosen this model for our specification because it has previously been tested and proven to be a good one. We also have such Volkswagen Tiguan cars. These are very powerful. Violators with high-speed vehicles will have to think a little,” said the Chief of State Police Armands Ruks.
There is also a car for the special ops team which detains especially dangerous criminals and engages in stopping riots. “The policeman can stand here completely. Also to change, put on the equipment you need. There are doors on both sides so that they can react quickly, and elevated clearance in these “Volkswagen” cars. We also take care of our detainees to make them safe. This room is also designed with a separate ventilation and heating system,” said Ruks.
The K9 unit will also have a new car. “There's a place for our K9 officer. Here's the driver. Of course there are all the systems required for police work. Here are our friends – dogs. And our fellow dogs also have these special places where they can be transported peacefully and safely,” Ruks said.
Cars that can be called mobile police stations will take the most part of the car park. 185 such cars have been purchased. The car fleet is also complemented by 10 BMW motorcycles. “These are manufactured directly, specifically for police purposes. From the first bolt it has been produced with the idea of executing police work,” Ruks said.
50 unmanned aerial vehicles with thermal cameras have been purchased. There are also six detection facilities that will allow other unmanned aircraft to be detected around the area.
The new cars will appear gradually on the streets and will be visible on the roads for the next five years. A full service leasing contract has been entered into. Leasing 449 cars will cost a little over €20 million.
This is less than in previous police procurement when 755 cars were rented for €22.4 million. According to the police, this time it is decided to rent about 300 cars fewer so they can purchase better and more powerful ones.