The city of New Orleans, Louisiana, has 75 new police cars for its officers, but it doesn't have the equipment needed for the vehicles.
The chief administrative officer for the city told WWL that getting radios, decals, cages, and the other equipment the officers need is difficult due to the ongoing supply chain crisis. At a recent consent decree meeting for New Orleans, one employee said the city is even struggling to find glue it needs for vehicle repairs. The department expects to have the 75 new police cars on the road by the end of the year.
Officers are also forced to ride two or three to a car in some cases. Police Chief Shaun Ferguson said the department is unable to buy new police cruisers, and is relying on repairs to older ones. Technicians have also turned to old units, finding parts in vehicles that are out of commission when needed.
The chief administrative officer explained that money is not the issue. New Orleans has around $30 million set aside in next year’s budget to buy a new fleet of vehicles.
