Budget Woes Make County Rethink Fleet
Funding has prevented Nassau County, N.Y. to meet its goal of putting 178 police cars on the road each day.
Like many showroom visitors, Nassau County, N.Y. can't get enough cash to buy police cars.
The Mineola, N.Y. legislature was expected to approve the 2009 capital budget on Jan. 5. The $117 million budget earmarks $2.5 million for replacement cars, enough to buy about 90 of the heavy-suspension, special law enforcement models that are much in need, according to Newsday.
The county tries to put 178 cars on the road each day, but that has been difficult because older cars require more repairs. About 100 cars, out of a fleet of 327, are out of service at any given time, up from an average of about 66 in recent years. Some cars have gone down in the middle of shifts, and recently the department was short 11 cars during a particularly cold day.
The aging fleet, however, made the police department decide to take away about 60 unmarked Crown Victorias sitting in the driveways of the brass who get a take-home car, plus free gas and maintenance, as a perk. Those vehicles being prepared for patrol duty, with the decals and roof racks.
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →
