Public Safety supervisors are currently using an unmarked patrol vehicle on campus. Christopher Denninger, Director of Public Safety, explains, “It is a work in progress.”

The vehicle, a brand new gray Ford hybrid, will soon be detailed with black graphics and a more distinguished Public Safety logo. “The logo will be changed a little bit just so the [word] ‘safety’ pops out a little,” says Denninger. The final design decision is expected to occur Monday of this week.

The car will be part of a fleet of four, three of which are not yet purchased or in use. Two of the cars will be provided as part of a grant from RIT’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS). “CIMS had received grant money to test hydrogen vehicles. We were lucky enough to get two of those,” says Denninger.

The purchase of all four vehicles reflects the department’s stance on renewal and replacement, as well as a step towards the reduction of fuel dependency. According to Denninger, the use of hybrids will save 75 to 80 percent in fuel usage for the department. “Reducing the carbon footprint is huge, and reducing fuel is huge,” remarks Denninger. Each purchased vehicle will be used and will have 110,000 to 120,000 miles. They will eventually replace the vehicles currently being used around campus.

As part of this plan, Denninger will also allow students participating in this month’s campus Crime Watch to use hybrid vehicles for transportation.