- Locals criticize Michigan police for using taxpayer money on a new Mustang Mach-E.
- One person suggested money spent on EVs should be removed from regular funding.
- Nevertheless, other EVs could be added to the Michigan State Police’s fleet in the future.
The Michigan State Police have added a shiny new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E to their fleet, sparking a heated debate among locals. While police departments across the States have been gradually integrating EVs into their operations, this particular purchase has some Michiganders fuming. Social media, unsurprisingly, has become the battleground, with critics calling the move everything from a “waste of taxpayer dollars” to evidence of a supposed “woke agenda.”
According to the local force, the Mustang Mach-E will be used by the State Security Operations Section. Apparently, uniformed state properties security officers specializing “in general law enforcement and security services at state-owned and leased facilities in the Lansing area” will be driving the EV around. Chances are, many locals will probably never even see the Mach-E on the road.
More: NYPD Sends Gas Bills To The Slammer With Fleet Of Electric Mustang Mach-E GT Cop Cars
That hasn’t stopped them from taking to Facebook to vent their frustration at the purchase at the comments section of the Michigan State Police’s post. “Makes no sense whatsoever. A waste of taxpayers dollars,” wrote one local. Another was particularly upset, suggesting the MSP thinks it has an endless supply of money.
People Call It “A Throwaway” And “Woke”
“Why are they knowingly buying throwaway cars with our tax dollars, especially when the battery itself cost over $15k? Oh yeah, because they think we have an endless supply of money to give them to repair or replace.” One commenter suggested that “For every penny spent on electric vehicles, a dollar should be removed from regular funding.”
A fierce rebuke of the police’s leadership was also offered by another person. “Sadly, state leadership and the top ‘leaders’ of the agency have swapped out greatness in service for pushing a destructive woke agenda. So sad. Members of command are selected for political agenda rather than merit or ability.”
Police Defend EVs
The director of the Michigan State Police, Col. James F. Grady II, says the Mustang Mach-E will suit the security officers because they drive fewer miles than regular troopers “within city limits and at lower speeds.” There’s also plenty of charging infrastructure in downtown Lansing.
This Mach-E could be the first of many EVs to join the force. Lt. Nicholas Darlington, the commander of the Precision Driving Unit, says it will evaluate the cost savings of the Ford to see if there’s “broader applicability within our fleet” for other EVs.
