Palmyra police officials are pushing back on recent online speculation, outlining how many vehicles the department operates and how they’re funded as questions circulate about local spending.
In a public statement, the Palmyra Police Department said its current fleet and staffing needs require up to four vehicles in service at any given time to maintain coverage across shifts and assignments.
Those vehicles include units assigned to the chief of police, a school resource officer, and patrol coverage for both day and overnight shifts. Officials said that structure is necessary to ensure consistent response capability, particularly during overlapping shifts.
The department’s current fleet includes vehicles from model years 2015, 2018, and 2021, along with a 2023 unmarked vehicle assigned to the chief and two Chevrolet Tahoes from 2023 and 2024. According to the department, several of the newer vehicles were obtained through grant funding.
Police said the department has not purchased a patrol vehicle since 2020, emphasizing that grant funding has helped offset costs that would otherwise fall on local taxpayers.
Officials also addressed why the chief is assigned a dedicated vehicle, noting the position requires around-the-clock availability for emergency response. Without a road sergeant on staff, the chief routinely responds to and oversees incidents that would typically fall under a supervisory role.
Looking ahead, the department said its oldest vehicle — a 2015 Ford — is the next scheduled for replacement due to rising maintenance costs. However, officials said budget constraints make it unlikely that replacement will happen in the upcoming fiscal year.
While grant funding remains a priority, the department cautioned that such funding is not a long-term solution, as municipalities remain responsible for maintaining and replacing vehicles over time.
Police said they remain committed to transparency and encouraged residents with questions to contact the department directly.
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