The Northern Arizona University Police Department has an additional patrol vehicle in service on the Flagstaff campus that is already attracting a lot of attention.
A 9-year-old Cadillac Escalade that was seized from a drug dealer has been awarded to the university police department by the Northern Arizona METRO Narcotics task force, of which the NAUPD is a member.
“This vehicle is a great benefit to the university and the police department as it provides additional needed capabilities such as four-wheel-drive and greater visibility for our anti-drug program here on campus,” said NAUPD Chief GT Fowler.
The vehicle is fully marked and equipped as a police patrol vehicle. To avoid confusion and concern about why a university police department would drive a Cadillac, the message “Vehicle Seized from a Drug Dealer” is painted on three sides.
Fowler explained that through cooperative efforts from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Mechanical Services Division, Tyrrell-Marxen Chevrolet Cadillac, Niles Radio and NAU’s Capital Assets, the vehicle was able to be converted for police use at a minimal cost.
“All of our public safety and community partners wanted to help with this project because of the powerful message it sends about illegal drug use and what will happen to those involved,” Fowler said.