The Dona Ana County sheriff says the woeful condition of his department's fleet of vehicles has reached a crisis point.
Sheriff Enrique "Kiki" Vigil says many vehicles' high mileages pose a risk to deputies and the public. Meanwhile, some vehicles' paints jobs have deteriorated to the point that they resemble Dalmatian dogs.
Vigil says the department recycles from vehicles being retired to keep others going. The department also has commanders and other non-patrol employees drive seized vehicles so deputies can use newer patrol vehicles.
The Las Cruces-News reports that more than half of the department's 230 vehicles have at least 100,000 miles on them.
The county commission recently approved funding for 15 new vehicles and Vigil says he's seeking money to buy another 15 in the next fiscal year.
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