The Arnold Police Department recently purchased five 2026 Chevrolet Tahoes and four radar systems, entered into an agreement to equip the SUVs and signed a five-year contract for 52 new stun guns.
The department will spend a total of $674,002.50 over the next five years to pay for those vehicles and equipment. It will pay $433,762.50 this year for the SUVs and equipment, and it will spend $60,060 per year for the next four years for the stun guns.
Arnold City Council members voted 7-0 on Sept. 4 to enter the agreement for the stun guns, and council members voted unanimously on Sept. 18 to buy the Tahoes, pay to have the SUVs equipped and buy the four radar systems. Ward 3 Councilwoman Peggy Allen was absent from the Sept. 4 meeting.
Tahoes
Arnold Police will pay $278,055 to buy the SUVs from Don Brown Chevrolet of St. Louis, which has the state contract.
Chief Brian Carroll said the new Tahoes are expected to arrive by either late winter or early spring. He said the new SUVs are replacing a 2018 Tahoe and four 2019 Tahoes.
“These vehicles have served the department well but have reached the end of their optimal service life,” he said. “These vehicles have higher mileage and increased maintenance costs. As police vehicles, we need to make sure our vehicles are also reliable and safe for daily patrol operations. Replacing them ensures officer safety, reduces downtime and maintains the efficiency of our patrol operations.”
The new SUVs were purchased as part of the department’s annual replacement cycle, Carroll said.
“Annual budgeting for vehicle replacement allows us to maintain a reliable fleet without placing a sudden financial burden on the city,” he said. “It allows us to plan ahead and avoid a large one-time expense. It’s very important to keep our officers equipped with safe and efficient vehicles. We like to take a proactive approach to our fleet management, and we feel it saves money in the long run.”
Carroll said after the new SUVs are equipped, the five older Tahoes will be placed on the Purple Wave Auction site, purplewave.com. Purple Wave specializes in equipment liquidation through no-reserve internet auctions, according to the company’s website.
“We anticipate those listings to go live in late spring to early summer,” Carroll said. “The proceeds from these auctions are returned to the city’s general fund. While they don’t directly offset the purchase price of the new vehicles within the Police Department’s budget, they do help support the city’s overall financial planning.”
Carroll said the department has 35 Tahoes, three Harley-Davidson motorcycles and one Ford Mustang.
SUV equipment
Arnold Police will pay Public Safety Upfitters of Fenton $81,133 to install the specialized law enforcement equipment in the new SUVs. Carroll said the equipment includes emergency lights, sirens and interior mounting units for in-vehicle computers and radios.
Carroll said the city received three bids to equip the SUVs. PSU submitted the second lowest bid, with Wireless USA and Ed Roeher submitting a lower one, at $75,548.99. The other bid was $93,833 from Defender Product Solutions.
“While cost is always a consideration, our decision was based on a combination of things,” Carroll said of going with the higher cost. “We used Public Safety Upfitters for the first time earlier this year for our fleet. We were very impressed with their workmanship. Not only were the installations high-quality, but their turnaround was remarkable. It was rare that we needed to bring a vehicle back for additional repairs. I feel they offered the best overall value.”
Radar systems
The department will pay $14,514.50 to Applied Concepts Inc. of Richardson, Texas, which has the state contract, to supply radar systems.
Carroll said the four new radar systems are replacing units that are about 15 years old and no longer under warranty.
“With the maintenance cost associated with these older units, it makes sense to begin a replacement program,” he said. “The older units also lack in the most up-to-date technology. There is faster target acquisition and other capabilities with today’s technology. “
Carroll said the new radar systems are expected to be delivered by the second week of this month and will be installed in four of the recently ordered Tahoes. He said the department has 25 radar systems for its patrol vehicles.
“I think it’s fair to say that radar units typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on usage, maintenance and technological advancements,” he said.
Stun guns
Arnold Police will pay Axon Enterprise Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., a total of $300,300 for the stun guns, paying for them over the next five years.
Carroll said the agreement covers the cost of the stun guns, warranties and software updates for the length of the agreement. He also said Axon is the only manufacturer of law enforcement-grade stun guns.
He said the new stun guns are expected to arrive no later than the second week of November, and officers will be trained to use them.
“While the basic operation is similar, there are new features and safety protocols that officers must be familiar with,” Carroll said. “All officers who will be issued the new Tasers are required to complete a certified training course provided by department-certified instructors. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practical exercises.
“The training will begin shortly after the devices arrive and will be completed in phases to ensure all personnel are properly certified before carrying the new equipment in the field.”
Carroll said the department’s current stun guns are between seven and eight years old and are becoming unreliable.
“The new Tasers are part of our ongoing effort to modernize our equipment and ensure officer and public safety,” he said. “Many of our current tasers are nearing the end of their service life and are no longer supported by Axon.”