A report from CBS news affiliate, KCBS-TV, has revealed that the Los Angeles Police Department is hardly using the BMW i3s it started leasing back in 2016.
During an investigation led by David Goldstein which saw the news outlet using hidden cameras and other tactics, it was discovered that many of the electric hatchbacks have fewer than four thousand miles under their belt. In fact, there are a host that have been driven less than 500 miles.
For example, one example was found to have been used for just 400 miles despite being in service since May 27, 2016. Average mileage per week for this example equals just six miles and on average, the LAPD is paying $418.04 a month to lease the car. That’s taxpayers’ money by the way.
Shockingly, there are a plethora of other i3s that have been driven a similarly minimal number of miles.
When introduced, the BMW i3 police cars were going to be used as transportation vehicles for officers and in community outreach initiatives. However, it has been discovered that some police officers are using the vehicles for personal errands, such as going for lunch and even making school runs.
Quizzed about the improper use of the BMWs, LAPD deputy chief Jorge Villegas said, “We want to be responsive to the community. It’s all a part of saving the Earth, going green … quite frankly, to try and save money for the community and the taxpayers.”