Crane residents may have already spotted the city's newest police cruiser around town - first shared by Crane.news on October 8. The Crane Police Department has since confirmed the vehicle, a 2016 Ford Taurus, was purchased used from the Battlefield Police Department.

Chief Michael Cupp told Crane.news that the department paid just $7,000 for the vehicle, which came fully equipped except for a radio installation and new CRANE POLICE decals. Comparable new police vehicles, he noted, can exceed $50,000 when fully outfitted.

“We got a heck of a deal,” Chief Cupp said. “Being a small-town department, we operate on a limited budget, so I try and find good deals for our equipment whenever possible.”

With the addition, the department now operates three active vehicles and one standby, the latter being the department’s older Crown Victoria. The PD also has five active officers, one regular reserve officer, and two additional reserve officers who assist during special events.

“Over the years, Crane PD hasn’t always had the best relationship with the community,” Chief Cupp said. “We’ve worked hard to change that. I think right now we have more officers than Crane has had in years, yet we’re keeping costs down to save the citizens money.”

Chief Cupp added that he works closely with other local departments and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office to secure reliable used equipment, allowing Crane PD to stretch its budget while maintaining readiness.