Fifteen vehicles written off and more than $2 million in damage put a small dent in the 3000-strong police vehicle fleet last year.
Figures released to the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act reveal police filed 1108 insurance claims involving $2,009,228 of damage to vehicles in 2010.
Of all police districts, Waitemata had the fifth-largest fleet with 242 vehicles, but ranked first for insurance claims (177) and total damage $325,455.
Canterbury had the highest number of vehicles (284), and was second highest for the amount of claims (124) and total damage ($218,519).
Waikato police wrote off four vehicles - the most in the country - followed by Counties Manakau (3) and Waitemata and Wellington two apiece. Of the 15 vehicles written off nationally, $85,000 was recovered No vehicles were written off in the Southern district, which recorded 76 claims totalling $110,458 in damage.
Southern district operations manager Inspector Lane Todd said police were mindful of damage to vehicles, with staff receiving regular driver training to improve skills.
The most common damage was smashed lights and windscreens and minor panel damage. Occasionally, wheel alignments were needed when a vehicle was driven over a kerb in the pursuit of an offender.
In an effort to manage kilometres and maintenance, police vehicles were rotated from frontline duties every six months.
"Rotational vehicles can run up high kilometres very quickly," Insp Todd said.
The district had relatively new vehicles, and was "well advanced" in replacing its rural fleet with all-wheel-drive Holden Captivas, he said.
Police acting general manager of finance Ian Georgeson said the police fleet had increased from 3069 in December 2006 to 3139 last December. Vehicles were managed as part of an annual rollout programme.
When older vehicles were replaced, they were installed with new equipment, such as the New Zealand-designed LED light bars.
A fifth of the total fleet had been issued with the new light bars, which cost $1495 uninstalled.
The new light consumed only 5% of the previous light bar's power, and were "more cost-effective and aerodynamic".
"Wind tunnel testing undertaken suggests a saving ... due to less drag of 8% for each vehicle per annum."
Once removed, the old light bars - MX7000 - were broken down into metals, glass and plastic and recycled.
