New Tulsa 'Paddy Wagon' Has Bomb Racks, Two-Way Radio
The wagon bears the number 88 because 8 is the jinx number in dice and policy games.
"We'll put 'em behind the eight ball twice," Chief Calvin explained.
The first person to be given a ride to headquarters was a prostitute, with her dog, Toodles. She was drunk in the 100 block on East Archer street and Toodles was nearby on a leash tied to his mistress' foot. The dog went to the dog pound.
The wagon will cruise in the downtown area 24 hours a day, manned by two officers working eight-hour shifts.
Whenever possible it will take to jail prisoners picked up by area scout cars and cruisers and thus allow these cars to continue on duty.
It is equipped with a two-way radio, siren, bomb racks, and gun racks. It has a 100 horsepower engine and a top speed of 100 miles an hour. It has a seating capacity of 12 and a jamming capacity of 30.
A wire cage holds the prisoners. The seats, placed lengthwise along the sides, have soft leather cushions. The wire screen is nearly three feet from the driver and out of hair-pulling distance.
In addition to its routine duties it will answer all riot calls and emergencies, bringing its additional equipment to the scene.
Inspector Felix Al'taffer said it is the department's plan to break new men into the department by wagon service, since this provides varied routine.
