Police vehicles in the United States and Canada

A Ford Crown Victoria police car in service with the United States Capitol Police
A Chevrolet Suburban in service with the Toronto Police Service Emergency Task Force.
A Communications Division Command Post vehicle in service with the New York City Police Department.

Police vehicles in the United States and Canada are made by several manufacturers and are available in three broad vehicle types:

History

The first police car was a wagon run by electricity fielded on the streets of Akron, Ohio in 1899.[1] Since the 1920s, the New York City Police Department has employed a fleet of Radio Motor Patrol vehicles to aid in its fight against crime within the city.

Ford's introduction of the flathead V-8 in its Model B in 1932––the first low-priced, mass-marketed car with a V8 engine––proved quite popular amongst police departments and led to strong brand loyalty. In turn, this gave the company a market-capturing edge that lasted until 1968. In the 1940s and 1950s, the "Big Three" (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) began to offer specialized police packages with severe duty parts. Foremost amongst these was the Ford package of 1950, which utilized the larger and more powerful Mercury engine in the smaller, lighter Ford. This ended the practice of some state police buying larger and more powerful, but higher-priced models including Buicks, Hudsons, and Chryslers. In 1969, Plymouth took first place in the police market, with Chrysler's 440 cu. in. V8s, Torqueflite transmissions, and torsion bar suspensions giving them a compelling advantage. Chrysler held this lead until the 1970s energy crisis drove buyers to smaller cars, and Chrysler subsequently discontinued their rear-drive platform after the 1989 model year.[2]

In the United States and Canada, police departments have historically used standard-size, low-price line sedans since the days of the Ford Model A, although many police departments switched to intermediates––such as the Plymouth Satellite, Ford Torino, and AMC Matador––in the 1960s and 1970s. Some state highway patrols (including those of California and Missouri) adopted pony cars, such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and AMC Javelin for use as high-speed pursuit vehicles. The Ford LTD, Plymouth Gran Fury, and Chevrolet Caprice were re-adopted as standard when the models were downsized in the late 1970s.

Since the termination of the North American Chevrolet Caprice model in 1996 (though it would subsequently return in 2010 for exclusive law enforcement use), the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has replaced it as the standard patrol car currently used by most police departments. In an attempt to better combat the threat of rear-end impacts that highway patrol vehicles face when stopped on the shoulder, new models can be optionally equipped with a fire suppression system. In September, 2011, however, Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria in favor of the 6th-generation Taurus. This has helped Dodge reclaim leadership in the market with the Charger.

Non-Crown Victoria police vehicles may be bought to diversify a police department's fleet in order to better minimize disruption should a recall occur.[3]

Despite some (primarily Canadian) jurisdictions electing to use front-wheel-drive sedans with smaller engines––mainly the Chevrolet Impala, the current iteration of which being a V6––the rear-wheel-drive V8 configuration is still widely preferred, due in part to its consistency with pursuit driver training, as well as generally greater reliability. Furthermore, trials with FWD vehicles like the Taurus and Impala have proven problematic in terms of maintenance costs.[4][5][6] In 1994, for example, a Ford spokeswoman noted that, "It is certainly true that any front-wheel-drive car would be more expensive and difficult to maintain if you subjected it to the kind of hard use they get in police departments."[7]

The Dodge Charger R/T is the most likely challenger to the Crown Victoria as a RWD V8 patrol car,[8] though some agencies, like the Washington State Patrol and the North Carolina Highway Patrol, primarily use them for unmarked units. Given its superior performance and greater fuel efficiency, the Charger has proven itself to be a capable alternative to/replacement for the aged and arguably outdated Crown Victoria.[3] That being said, the Charger is not without drawbacks: some departments have expressed concern in regards to limited trunk space, while others have complained about its limited rear visibility. Additionally, in the 2005-2006 model years, there were significant problems with the braking systems (which have since been addressed).

Nonetheless, more departments continue to opt for the Charger. At the end of 2006, multiple Dodge Chargers were added to the NYPD fleet for citywide testing. In the summer of 2006, the Georgia State Patrol announced that it would begin using the Charger R/T for high speed chases on Interstate highways due to its additional power and speed, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol switched to the model early, as well. As of 2007, the Alameda County (California) Sheriff's Office has plans to upgrade to the Charger. Dodge only rates their 6-cylinder and Hemi-engined versions as "pursuit capable" (when ordered as a police package). The R/T version is not available in a police package.

The Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, along with the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility, are both pursuit-rated SUVs that are widely used by federal, state, and local agencies throughout the United States and Canada. Along with various federal agencies, many states' troopers and counties' sheriffs use the Chevrolet Tahoe variant. The California Highway Patrol, Chicago Police Department, and Minneapolis Police Department are all replacing their older cruisers with the Ford Explorer variant due to its large cargo and equipment-carrying ability, as well as its optional all-wheel-drive system. In 2013, according to statistics compiled by R.L. Polk, the FPI-U (Explorer) became the most popular PPV in the U.S.[9] The standard Ford Taurus-based PI can also be equipped with AWD.

Markings and appearance

An Akron, Ohio police cruiser
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police Toyota Prius school liaison car in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

North American police cars were once noted for being painted black and white, with the car doors and roof painted white, while the trunk, hood, front fenders and rear quarter panels were painted black. The fleet vehicles that were used typically came painted in a single color, most commonly white or black, from the factory and were used as such. The contrasting black or white color was added to make the vehicle stand out from civilian vehicles. In 2007, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began converting its fleet back to a black-and-white scheme after decades of using other colors.

Beginning in the 1970s, police vehicle markings have become increasingly stylistic, with widespread use of computer-graphics and vinyl striping. While black and white designs are still in use in many jurisdictions, cars may range from being all white to completely black. Blues and greens of various hues are also frequently used. Brown, beiges and tans are favored by rural police and sheriff's offices.

Official markings also vary by jurisdiction. The side doors and sometimes the hood of a marked police car usually bear the agency's badge or the city seal, often in reflective finish. Markings such as emergency telephone numbers, generic anti-drug or anti-crime messages, or even website URLs are also common. Some agencies also have identification numbers printed on the roofs of patrol cars for tracking from aircraft, or to distinguish specialized units, such as K-9 units or supervisors.

Currently, in the United States and Canada, the paint scheme for each fleet is determined either by the individual agency or by uniform state legislation as in Minnesota.[10] Usually, state laws exist that establish standards for police vehicle markings, and proscribe civilian vehicles from using certain markings or paint schemes as is the case in California.[11]

Today, most fleet markings on patrol vehicles are created from reflective vinyl with an adhesive backing that is applied in a peel-and-stick manner. Colors chosen to represent the departments identity are typically chosen by the individual department, although, as noted above, some states have specific guidelines for color schemes and markings. Vinyl used to produce fleet markings comes in large rolls that are fed through a plotter (cutter) or large-format printer/cutter. The designs are created in specialized computer software and sent to the machines via cable link for production. Once the design is cut into the vinyl, the excess vinyl on the sheet is removed in a process called "weeding". Finally, a paper pre-mask is applied to the top of the vinyl design to allow easy application of multiple letters and shapes at one time.

Models by manufacturer

Chrysler and American Motors

2006 Michigan State Police Dodge Charger

Ford Motor Company

New Orleans Police Department police vehicle in 2009

General Motors

2006–2009 Chevrolet Impala SPVM car
New York City Police Department Disorder Control Unit Hummer
Hunts Point Department of Public Safety Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Nissan

SAAB

SAAB 900 - Used by Vail, and Aspen Colorado Police Departments from 1978 - 2003 [19]

Studebaker

Subaru

Toyota

Volvo

Other police vehicles

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T used by Deputies in Broward County, Florida
The Deputies' mobile "office" in the Challenger

Police departments also use alternative police vehicles.

Alabama

Alberta

Arkansas

Arizona

British Columbia

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Guam

Hawaii

A "New Edge" Mach 1 Ford Mustang being used as a police car by the Honolulu Police Department.

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Massachusetts

Michigan

Michigan State Police car

Minnesota

Missouri

New Hampshire

New Jersey

The New Jersey state police used marked and unmarked 2014 Ford Tauraus police interceptors as well as Crown Victorias, and police editions of Chevrolet Impalas. Dodge Durangos and Ford Explorers have also been spotted.

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Nova Scotia

Ohio

Ontario

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Prince Edward Island

Puerto Rico

Quebec

Saskatchewan

South Carolina

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

D.A.R.E.

A number of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs in local police departments have some notable vehicles marked as police cars to promote the program. The DARE cars appear at schools and in parades. Typically these cars are high-end or performance cars that have been seized in a drug raid. They are used to send the message that drug dealers forfeit all their glamorous trappings when they get caught. Cars include the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Humvee.

Future

Ford ceased production of the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor in 2011, it was replaced by both the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan & Ford Police Interceptor Utility.[40] On March 12, 2010, a prototype Ford Police Interceptor Sedan based on the sixth generation Taurus's platform was demonstrated at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Ford assured law enforcement agencies that it would be in production when the last Crown Victorias are built in September 2011.[41] The car was also displayed to fleet managers from Canada and the United States at the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) exposition in Detroit in April.[42] Months after the Sedan was unveiled a prototype Ford Police Interceptor Utility based on the fifth generation Ford Explorer was unveiled at Ford's Chicago plant in front of its work force by then VP of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service Ken Czubay. The production of the Police Interceptor Sedan began in 2012 as a 2013 model along with the Utility counterpart.

The Dodge Charger Pursuit, was first introduced as an LX body in 2006. In 2011, as an LD body, numerous changes were made to resolve a number of teething issues in previous cars. The 3.6 V-6 engine provides performance equal to - or better - than the P7B Crown Victoria, with much better fuel economy. The 5.7 Hemi cars set record after record during yearly testing with the Michigan State Police. In late 2014, Dodge surpassed many of their own records with the new All Wheel Drive Pursuit. The AWD version became the only large Chrysler passenger sedan with AWD and the V8. By mid -2016, over 40% of all new Charger Pursuits were AWD.

Prior to the release of the AWD Dodge, Ford held 60% of the police market. In 2015, and especially 2016 (after a price reduction), Dodge gained some ground on Ford, largely at the expense of the Taurus.

With solid improvements in durability and value from Dodge, along with disappointing fuel economy and repair costs with the Fords and Chevy's, an increasing number of departments have begun to take a second look at the big Dodge.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2009/0225.htm
  2. ↑ Sanow, Edwin J. (1998-01-16). Ford Police Cars, 1932–1997. p. 7. ISBN 0-7603-0372-X.
  3. 1 2 Baker, Al (2006-08-21). "A Police Car With Plenty of Muscle". The New York Times.
  4. ↑ http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_9ee9196a-008b-11df-8a7e-001cc4c03286.html
  5. ↑ http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/business_columnists/g_chambers_williams_iii/article/G-Chambers-Williams-III-Caprice-starting-to-1456685.php
  6. ↑ http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110421/NEWS01/104210338
  7. ↑ "For city police, a disaster on wheels". The Baltimore Sun. 24 April 1994. p. 1.
  8. ↑ http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2010/08/25/Big-three-chase-police-for-auto-business/UPI-22251282760766/
  9. ↑ http://www.freep.com/article/20140324/BUSINESS01/303240049
  10. ↑ http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP_SEC&year=2006&section=169.98
  11. ↑ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27605.htm
  12. ↑ Missouri State Highway Patrol (2006). "History of the Motor Equipment Division" (pdf). Retrieved 2008-05-16..
  13. ↑ 1971 Greenfield Police patrol Ambassador, retrieved on 2008-05-16.
  14. ↑ AMC Police Cars retrieved on 2009-10-25.
  15. ↑ "The National AMC Police Car Registry" Archived June 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. retrieved on 2009-10-25.
  16. 1 2 http://members.fortunecity.com/rwcar4q/urban.html
  17. ↑ "Highway Patrol troopers say sports cars faster but not better". The Item. 6 June 1992. p. 5A.
  18. ↑ http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/10/05/2011-chevrolet-caprice-police-patrol-vehicle-taking-over-streets-in-2011/
  19. ↑ retrieved on 2016-04-20
  20. ↑ Cop Car Dot Com retrieved on 2009-10-25.
  21. ↑ Car Dot Com retrieved on 2009-10-25.
  22. ↑ http://jalopnik.com/5959429/how-the-california-highway-patrol-swapped-crown-vics-for-volvos--almost
  23. ↑ Gallery: Edmonton police cars retrieved on 2014-01-20.
  24. ↑ http://www4.nau.edu/insidenau/bumps/2008/4_30_08/naupd.htm
  25. ↑ http://www.rcmp.ca/bc/lmd/nvan/Contents/tour.html
  26. ↑ http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/columnists/mr_roadshow/14074796.htm?source=rss&channel=mercurynews_mr_roadshow
  27. ↑ Nicholson, Kieran. "Hummer-dinger of police car joins force". Denver Post.
  28. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved February 20, 2007.
  29. ↑ "Vail police switch from Saab to Ford". USA Today. 2003-09-23. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
  30. ↑ http://starbulletin.com/1999/07/05/news/briefs.html
  31. ↑ http://www.madisonrecord.com/news/176168-madison-county-and-pontoon-beach-reap-drug-bust-proceeds
  32. ↑ File:ChevroletCapricePPV-01.jpg
  33. ↑ http://policecarwebsite.net/fc/copcarpics/iowa1.htm
  34. ↑ http://www.z06-corvette.com/police.htm
  35. ↑ http://www.corvettecentral.com/gallery/woodward.htm
  36. ↑ http://www.drive.subaru.com/Win05_YourTurn.htm
  37. ↑ http://www.netcarshow.com/dodge/2006-charger_police_vehicle/
  38. ↑ Sullivan, Jennifer (2007-05-04). "Seattle officers' hot cars zero in on hot drivers". The Seattle Times.
  39. ↑ http://goliath.ecnext.com/comsite5/bin/pdinventory.pl?pdlanding=1&referid=2750&item_id=0199-2360667
  40. ↑ http://www.detnews.com/article/20091113/AUTO01/911130435/1148/auto01/Ford-fast-tracks-new-cop-car-to-replace-Crown-Vic
  41. ↑ http://www.detnews.com/article/20100312/AUTO01/3120341/1148/auto01/Ford-debuts-new-Police-Interceptor
  42. ↑ http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/04/07/472201.html

External links

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