NCJ Number
165859
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 41-50
Date Published
1996
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reviews some of the issues and difficulties associated with the cost-effective design and manufacture of appropriately equipped police cars.
Abstract
With the decision by General Motors to halt its manufacture of the Caprice, which is used by many police departments, this leaves the Ford Motor Company as the only manufacturer of a traditional police car with its Crown Victoria police package. This also puts Ford in the position of being able to raise its rates with impunity. Most large agencies typically purchase the same model car over the years, which enhances their ability to maintain the vehicles with transferable parts. Many police officials wish for a vehicle that is ready for police service direct from the manufacturer. Currently, the cars obtained from the manufacturer must be customized with additional police equipment after delivery from the manufacturer. Police officials question why fire engines and EMT vans can be manufactured ready for their intended use while auto manufacturers claim that this is not feasible for police vehicles. Cruisers, a car conversion company, has invested in a prototype purpose-built vehicle for law enforcement, which it calls a mobile substation. The intent of the company in building such a concept vehicle is to show the automotive industry that it can be done. This prototype police package includes such standard features as a centrally located, reconfigurable instrument panel; a steering wheel with fingertip operator controls that include emergency lighting and siren switch, radio volume control, and intersection signal interrupt; front-door panels with storage packets, baton retainers, flashlight chargers, and upper-arm rests; and keyless entry, remote vehicle start, and vehicle anti-theft security systems. Factory-installed options include a retractable lightbar, fiberglass prisoner transport rear sets, and an integrated front push bumper. This article also examines Federal support for police technology, the goals of technological change to benefit police efforts, and the future for police technology in police cars.