In Texas, it doesn’t pay to be a drug dealer. While a fast, flashy Corvette is certainly a status symbol, it doesn’t let you blend in with the crowd. This is exactly the reasoning behind the New Braunfels Police Department’s newest police car being such a high visibility vehicle. This 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was seized from a drug dealer, and will be a very public symbol of how “crime doesn’t pay.”
Don’t worry if you’re a Texas lead-foot residing in the New Braunfels area. The 505 hp 7.0-liter V8-powered Corvette won’t be patrolling the streets looking for speeders, or be a “Mad Max” style interceptor. It’ll be put to much friendlier use as a public relations tool helping to keep open communication and interest with the public, that the department serves. This new police vehicle did cause a little controversy when announced, as some citizens thought the $40,000 Corvette Z06 was funded by taxpayers, or should have gone straight to auction as a seized vehicle.
The New Braunfels Police Department was quick to respond. Their official statement reads: “This vehicle was awarded to NBPD as part of an asset distribution from the Federal DEA criminal case of a large drug distribution ring in our area. NBPD was instrumental in helping bring down that drug enterprise. Property seized during the course of an investigation is only awarded to the law enforcement agency after a court has determined that the suspect was involved in criminal activity and the proceeds (money) from that activity (i.e dealing drugs) paid for the items seized. Therefore, no property is given to a law enforcement agency prior to the investigation being completed and tried in a court of law.”
This means that the department can use the car until the case is closed. Then the Corvette can be auctioned off and the proceeds used for other community/crime prevention programs. In the meantime, the NBPD is having a naming contest for the car for kids 8-16 years of age. There have been many clever entries, including “Optimus Crime” and “Copnado,” along with “Lightning McCrime.” The contest ended September 18, so just laugh at the funny ones and come up with a few of your own!