The City of Brookhaven, Ga., on July 9 unveiled its first fleet of 57 police cars. The new city, previously an unincorporated area in DeKalb County, was formed in December 2012. It has hired 54 officers for its Police Department and will take over patrol duty from DeKalb County Police on July 31.

According to Communications Director Megan Matteucci, the City purchased 46 Ford Police Interceptors, three Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, seven Chevrolet Impalas, and one Chevrolet Caprice. The total cost of all vehicles, including upfitting, is approximately $2.3 million. She said these vehicles were chosen for their “reliability and fuel efficiency.”

Matteucci said the City does not have a fleet department. A local vendor will perform routine maintenance on the police vehicles.

Brookhaven is now DeKalb County’s largest city, with 49,000 residents and encompassing 12 square miles, according the BrookhavenYes campaign.

Although DeKalb County now has a smaller area to patrol, its patrol fleet size will most likely stay the same. Greg Brake, associate director of DeKalb County fleet management, said that while the decision has yet to be finalized, “it is not likely [the DeKalb County PD] will reduce the number of vehicles they have.” He explained that patrol units are run three shifts per day, accumulating between 40,000 and 70,000 miles per year. Officers and vehicles will most likely be reassigned to other areas.

By Thi Dao