1,000 ISP vehicles need to be replaced, but it will take 18 years to replace them: director
The Illinois State Police is facing a challenge when it comes to replacing its aging fleet of vehicles. With over 1,000 vehicles nearing the end of their life, the agency is struggling to keep up with the recommended replacement schedule. According to ISP Director Brenden Kelly, the current funding mechanism in place will take approximately 18 years to replace the entire fleet, far longer than the recommended eight-year replacement cycle.
The main issue lies with the State Police Vehicle Fund, which is funded primarily through a $1 fee on license plates and the proceeds from the sale of retired ISP vehicles. While lawmakers have allocated $30 million for vehicle replacement each year since fiscal year 2024, the actual revenue going into the fund is significantly lower. This discrepancy has led to a slow pace of vehicle replacement and has left officers driving vehicles that are eight to 10 years old with hundreds of thousands of miles on them.
To address this funding shortfall, a portion of an insurance underwriting fee paid by car insurance providers will now be directed towards the fund, potentially increasing its balance by a few million dollars. Additionally, there is a possibility of increasing the amount of vehicle registration fees that go towards the State Police vehicle fund to ensure that officers have safe and reliable vehicles to use.
The cost of new police vehicles has also increased significantly over the years, with a new car now costing around $120,000 compared to $60,000 a decade ago. Despite the rising costs, the funding for vehicle replacement has not kept pace, making it challenging for ISP to maintain a modern and safe fleet of vehicles.
In recent years, ISP has had to replace more vehicles due to mechanical issues and damage, with several vehicles being involved in Scott’s Law violations. The agency is hopeful that the additional funding from the insurance underwriting fee will allow for the replacement of high-mileage vehicles and improve the overall condition of the fleet.
While the number of new vehicles received each year can vary based on market conditions and other factors, ISP is making efforts to address the challenges associated with vehicle replacement. By finding new sources of funding and implementing strategic measures, the agency aims to ensure that its officers have access to reliable and safe vehicles to carry out their duties effectively.
