PUNTA GORDA, Fla.-- Punta Gorda Police Officers have a new energy-efficient, stealth-like vehicle to complement patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The Punta Gorda Police Department recently acquired a T3, which is a personal mobility vehicle designed to give officers greater vision in crowds, increase interaction with citizens, and improve mobility.

The T3 was paid for through a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The vehicle runs on an electric motor, which also saves taxpayers on fuel costs.

The Punta Gorda Police Department plans to use the T3 to patrol the business district, Harbor Walk, Multi-Use Recreational Trails, parking lots, Herald Court Centre, as well as neighborhood streets.

Its maximum speed is 25 mph, but that doesn’t mean officers can’t conduct traffic stops. It is a street-legal vehicle for law enforcement. The T3 has been outfitted with the new Punta Gorda Police Department decals, which were designed by officers to increase nighttime visibility and reduce costs. It also has blue and red police lights as well as a siren.

“This device is just another tool to serve our community in the most efficient and effective way possible,” stated Community Services Sgt. Joe King.  “Our customers spend more and more time on foot making their way around our city. We too should be right out there with them and not waving from our cars.”

Officers are currently being trained on the T3, which will be used at the upcoming Fourth of July festivities in Laishley Park.