Raleigh, N.C. — The Wake County Sheriff's Department is using a legendary muscle car to pull over drivers who exceed the speed limit or try to deal drugs.
Sheriff Donnie Harrison said the 2007 Chevy Corvette Z06 was seized from a drug dealer.
“We got it on a drug seizure. It went to court, and we requested the car and got the car. What I want to do is use this car to fight drugs, and to fight crime in Wake County,” Harrison said.
The black car boasts 505 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, the sheriff said.
“It is just like an unmarked car. We have all types of unmarked cars, and we have other drug seizure cars, too. But this one is unique, because most people won't see it," Harrison said.
The car, which can reach speeds close to 200 mph, is already earning its keep for the department.
“The first stop (with the car brought in) five bags of drugs. Then we got another stop, and got over a pound of marijuana,” Harrison said.
The car, which is well-equipped, would cost around $81,000 new, Harrison said.
The use of the Corvette by the sheriff's departments has come with criticism, even though it is not a cost for taxpayers.
“Some people say, 'Why don't you sell it back? Auction it off and give the money to the schools. They need the money, too.' When you auction off equipment and vehicles like this, you are only going to get a portion of what it is worth,” Harrison said.
However, Harrison said the car will likely be sold at auction once the department gets its use from it. The money will then be given to public schools, he said.



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July 24, 2009 4:42 p.m.
I don't think this car will cost $22K in additional maintenance over the next 5 years, which is what it will cost to buy a new car instead of the Vette. The lights, siren and radio would have been bought for another car anyway.
As for stopping cars, there is a thing called "criminal interdiction through traffic enforcement". I have been through the interdiction classes taught internationally by three National Interdiction Officers of the Year. That's where you use visual clues and behavior to pick up on somebody who is involved in criminal activity. I bet the car will be used in speeding campaigns. I think I saw a Pro 1000 radar antennae in there, but they aren't going to use it for suspect contact anyway with blue lights mounted in the windshield. It will probably be used for observation and tracking purposes mostly.
July 24, 2009 4:41 p.m.
July 22, 2009 6:56 p.m.
I agree. Everyone will be looking for it now. DUH...kind of like when TV broadcasts the LEO are having DWI checkpoints.
July 22, 2009 6:56 p.m.
July 22, 2009 6:50 p.m.