Every fall since 1975, the Michigan State Police (MSP) have evaluated patrol vehicles and published the results. The testing of motorcycles was added later; and in 1981, the Internet publication of testing results began, along with the sponsorship of the U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC). Fleet administrators and other law enforcement administrators can and do use data from the testing to assist in informing their vehicle and motorcycle purchasing decisions. Fleet managers can use the testing results to determine how the vehicles tested compare to one another; and manufacturers are motivated to manufacture better and safer vehicles. Manufacturers can examine vehicles' performance data, including acceleration, the vehicle's ability to turn, and ability to brake. In 2016, the MSP evaluated 13 vehicles and 6 motorcycles manufactured for the 2017 model year. The report includes photos and descriptions of all vehicles evaluated, including a specified section on highlights from the manufacturer. Other report sections describe all vehicles evaluated, including highlights from the manufacturer; methodology; and data on vehicle dynamics, acceleration, top speed, braking, ergonomics, communications, and fuel economy. In the evaluations, vehicles have no overhead lights or light bars, spotlights, radio antennas, sirens, or other emergency equipment. The evaluations are conducted with the manufacturers original tires. Additional details on evaluation methodology are provided.
Michigan State Police Vehicle and Motorcycle Evaluations
NCJ Number
250961
Date Published
July 2017
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the features and benefits of the Michigan State Police's evaluations of various law enforcement vehicles and motorcycles.
Abstract
Date Published: July 1, 2017