Mayor Berry and APD Unveil New DWI BAT Mobile and Search and Rescue Vehicle

February 22, 2010

Mayor Richard J. Berry and the Albuquerque Police Department unveiled a new DWI BAT Mobile Monday that will allow officers to process alleged drunken drivers more quickly and efficiently.

The vehicle, which recently made its debut at one of APD’s checkpoints, is 12 feet longer than the previous BAT Mobile, has holding cells for 12 suspects, four Intoxilyzers, and work stations for eight officers. It also has a 100-gallon fuel tank that will allow officers to conduct longer checkpoints without having to stop and refuel.

The vehicle cost about $435,000 and was purchased using a grant from the New Mexico Transportation Safety Board.

“This BAT Mobile will play a key role as APD continues to crack down on drunk drivers,” Mayor Berry said. “The police department is going to get a lot of use out of this vehicle.”

The Mayor and APD also unveiled Friday a new Search and Rescue Vehicle. The Chevrolet 5500 two-ton pickup is the first of its kind in APD’s fleet. It comes equipped with a 16-foot box on the bed of the truck for tools, a monitor for briefings and a communication system.

The vehicle will allow officers to go in very remote areas searching for lost hikers or people who have been swept into arroyos or in the Rio Grande.

“This vehicle is going to mean the difference between hours and days when we are called to respond to a remote area,” Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz said. “It will undoubtedly save lives.”

APD also plans to make the vehicle available for agencies throughout the state. The vehicle costs $146,000 and was paid for through a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.