Paterson patrol officers barred from using new pursuit vehicles after 2 crashes

PATERSON — City police officials have stopped allowing patrol officers to use the department’s new Dodge Durango Pursuits after crashes six days apart damaged two of the vehicles.

The 10 Durango Pursuits acquired for the police division went into service in the middle of June, officials said.

One of the SUVs was damaged on July 8 in an early morning crash at North Straight and River streets as two officers were responding to a call about a burglary in progress, officials said. The Durango ended up with substantial front-end damage, officials said.

The second accident happened on the afternoon of July 13 near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Ellison Street as an officer was going to assist another officer handling a suspicious person call, officials said. The front passenger-side fender of that Pursuit was damaged.

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In both collisions, the Durango Pursuits had their flashing lights and sirens on, officials said. Authorities have not reported any injuries in either accident.

About 24 hours after the second crash, Capt. Stephen Iacuzzo — who earlier this month was named commander of the entire patrol division — issued a memo.

“Effective immediately patrol officers will no longer use the new Durangos,” said Iacuzzo’s memo. “They may be used by patrol supervisors at this time. Patrol officers shall only use the old fleet. Anyone found in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.”

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Losing more officers to other towns

Paterson PBA President Angel Jimenez attributed the two crashes within one week to “the enormous amount of pressure out members are under to get to jobs as quickly as possible, and then to go on to the next job.”

The police union leader said the pressure stems from understaffing in a department that has steadily been losing officers to other towns that offer better-paying law enforcement jobs.

“We have seven more resigning by the end of this summer,” Jimenez said.

Mayor Andre Sayegh and his staff did not respond to a reporter’s emails Monday and Tuesday asking how much the city spent on the new Durango Pursuits.

The City Council had authorized the purchase of some of the vehicles — all 2023 models — in multiple resolutions approved last year. Many of the SUVs were bought with money and assets seized in drug crimes, officials said.

The council approved the purchase of two Pursuits last year for $81,575. The police department also must buy sirens, lights, and other law enforcement equipment for the vehicles. In January, the council approved a contract for $116,398 for law enforcement items for an unspecified number of police vehicles.