KEARNEY, Neb. — The Kearney Police Department is adding cars to its fleet to become a take home vehicle department thanks to a major grant.

Kearney Police announced Tuesday that it will begin the process of adding nearly 30 cars to its fleet. The new patrol vehicles will allow the department to start an Assigned Vehicle Program, in which officers are assigned a vehicle they can take home.  Patrol vehicles are currently kept at the police station.

The change is possible thanks to a $3 million grant from a local private foundation.

“We are incredibly blessed to have a high level of support from our community, a generous donation like this does not happen without positive, professional, caring, dedicated policing for all citizens, this serves as a strong reminder of this support,” Chief Bryan Waugh said. “I have confidence this program will have a direct impact on public safety, while also strengthening the recruitment and retention capabilities of our first-class organization.”

A news release says the department expects the project to help recruit and retain officers because it’s viewed as a desirable perk. According to the release, the only other Nebraska mid-size police department to offer an assigned vehicle program is the Bellevue Police Department. The Nebraska State Patrol and most county sheriff’s offices, including Buffalo County, provide take-home vehicles.

Police also hope the program works as a crime deterrent and helps officers respond quickly to emergencies.

Police expect the program to take 18-24 months to implement. The department, which normally replaces five vehicles per year, will halt its replacement schedule for two years, saving about $500,000.