INUVIK - Wallace Goose couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted the Inuvik RCMP's newest vehicle just a few days ago.

RCMP Const. Richard Janzen poses with the detachment's brand new 2009 Crown Victoria police cruiser which he shares with his equally proud partner Const. Kiel Pharis. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"I looked out my apartment window and saw a police car," said the 10-year-old. "Then I showed my sister. It's really cool. I only saw one like it in a movie I watched."

Const. Kiel Pharis, the detachment's fleet manager, responsible for maintaining and repairing its vehicles, is one of two officers assigned to the car while the rest of the officers have to use the standard trucks.

Pharis said Wallace isn't the only admirer of the car in town, as he's been noticing a few awe-inspired stares while cruising the streets of Inuvik.

In fact Pharis pushed for the car, which arrived from Whitehorse earlier this month, and said he's excited to have the cruiser here and admits it's a lot more comfortable of a ride than a truck.

"We're proud of it," said Pharis. "I'm looking forward to using it."

Speedsters beware: the brand new 2009 Crown Victoria police cruiser comes equipped with 4.6 litre, V8 engine.

Even though he's rolling in such a slick ride, Pharis stopped short of saying it makes him feel any sexier.

"I don't know if I feel sexy," he said with a laugh.

Pharis said Inuvik has never had a police cruiser as far as he knows.

Minus the police equipment, the car costs about $31,000. Equipped with a special suspension, the 250 horse powered vehicle is pursuit rated and boasts a five-star crash rating. Compared to the detachment's police trucks, it has lots of room and a much tighter turning radius. Officers can load people in and out of the vehicle more easily, as well.

"It's really going to be used for going to short trips to and from the detachment, quickly off the main street," he said.

It won't be straying onto the Dempster Highway, either.

Pharis said it's a test run to see how it will fare over the winter. If all goes well, Inuvik might welcome more cruisers.

"If it works well in the town, traction-wise, we'll probably see more in the future."