Walkerton Police Dept

Location: Walkerton, IN

Fleet Type: Light-duty Patrol Vehicles – Police Dept.

Narrative

The Walkerton Police Department, a small but busy force serving a town of approximately 2,000 residents in northern Indiana, has consistently sought to integrate the latest technology to enhance its operations. In a groundbreaking move for the region, the department took a significant step towards modernizing its fleet and reducing its environmental footprint by introducing its first 100% electric patrol vehicle. This initiative was part of a larger electric vehicle pilot cohort led by the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG).

With the support of the MACOG and grant funding, the Walkerton Police Department was able to acquire a new, pursuit-capable Chevrolet Blazer EV. This acquisition was a forward-thinking decision, as the department proactively sought a solution to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact without compromising the performance and safety required for law enforcement duties. The new electric vehicle replaces a high-performance, gas-guzzling Dodge Charger, marking a clear and impactful transition for the department.

There were several key drivers for their decision to electrify a portion of their fleet:

• Financial Stewardship: The primary driver was the potential for significant operational savings, specifically a dramatic reduction in fuel costs. The department’s Chief noted they are going from spending an average of $60 to fill a gas tank to “nothing, other than some electricity.”
• Environmental Leadership: By adopting an electric vehicle, the department is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable technology within its community and the surrounding rural region of northern Indiana.
• Technological Advancement: The department’s commitment to “the latest and greatest technology available to Law Enforcement” was a key motivator. The Chevrolet Blazer EV, being the first true pursuit-rated EV Police Vehicle on the market, offered a unique opportunity to test the performance and capability of electric vehicles in real-world police work.
• Enhanced Performance: The electric vehicle provides superior performance, including quicker acceleration, which is a critical advantage in law enforcement. As the Police Chief noted, “It is fast. Like when you step on the pedal to go, it goes now. It’s much faster than our other cars.”

The Walkerton Police Department was awarded up to $72,062 for the vehicle and fleet charging infrastructure through the Indiana Office of Energy Development’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The town also committed an additional $16,000 for upfitting costs, demonstrating a strong local commitment to the project. This funding was critical to making the project financially feasible and a reality for the small department.

Once the vehicle was delivered, it was quickly put into service, assigned to the Assistant Chief for real-world testing. The vehicle’s performance and advanced features, including a large 19-inch screen for a map system, have been well received by the officers. The successful integration of this vehicle demonstrates that electric patrol cars can meet the demanding performance needs of law enforcement, even in a small, rural setting. This pilot program has the potential to serve as a model for other departments across the state and the country.

Outputs and Outcomes

Beyond the environmental and financial gains, the project has enhanced the department’s image as an innovative and responsible public service organization. The department’s leadership in this area is appealing to other police departments in the region, many of whom have expressed interest in the vehicle’s performance and capabilities.

The outcomes from this work span several layers:

• The department is on track to see significant fuel savings, which Chief Matt Schalliol estimates could offset the vehicle’s higher price in just two years.
• The ride for officers is quieter and provides enhanced operational benefits, such as improved communication within the vehicle.
• The new vehicle offers superior acceleration and on-road performance, which is a direct benefit to police work.
• The project has established Walkerton as a leader in law enforcement innovation within the state, proving that electric police vehicles can be effective in small, rural communities.

Best Practices & Lessons Learned

 The success of this project provided several key takeaways.

1. 1. Grant Funding is a Catalyst: The ability to secure a significant grant was the key to making this project financially viable. Working with partners like the MACOG to apply for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program was essential.
   2. Strategic Collaboration and Piloting: The project was part of a larger cohort, which allowed the department to learn from test-drive events and the experiences of other communities. This collaborative approach, facilitated by MACOG, de-risked the transition and provided valuable insights before the final purchase.
   3. Evaluating Performance Beyond Cost: While fuel savings are a major benefit, the department recognized the importance of evaluating the vehicle’s performance, from its acceleration to its interior technology, to ensure it met the practical and demanding needs of police work.

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Walkerton Police Dept. Fleet Story