NCJ Number
190831
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 45-47
Date Published
July 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines police agencies' requirements for specialty vehicles and what some manufacturers are doing to meet those needs.
Abstract
Police requirements for specialty vehicles include those for use in crime scene investigation, SWAT team operations, K-9, off-road, and beach patrol, etc. America's police can choose from a variety of models. They are not pursuit vehicles and are not designed to be. They are models modified and designed for some aspects of police duty. The modifications are usually in the areas of brakes, suspension, and wiring, and they usually feature "no frills" reduced trim options. The low volume police package vehicles include Daimler/Chrysler's Jeep Cherokee, General Motors' Camaro, Tahoe's, and Hummer's; and Ford's special service versions of the Explorer, Expedition, and Excursion. The Cherokee ceased production as a police vehicle after the 2001 model, replaced by the Dodge Durango. The Camaro will cease production after the 2002 model. General Motors and AM General joined forces to bring law enforcement the civilian version of the Humvee, called the Hummer. Sales to law enforcement agencies have been few, primarily because of the $100,000 price tag. Tahoes have seen service from the Michigan State Police to Mesquite, TX, and are very popular with the New York State Police. Sales of these specialty vehicles are on the rise, and they are finding their place in law enforcement. The article concludes that specialty vehicles are a definite aid to police, with the added bonus that they are designed and warranted for police work, which modified civilian models are not.