NCJ Number
52926
Journal
Schriftenreihe der Polizei-Fuehrungsakademie Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (1978) Pages: 231-242
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
METHODS FOR ACQUIRING WELL-EQUIPPED, ECONOMICAL VEHICLES IN QUANTITY FOR THE WEST GERMAN POLICE ARE OUTLINED.
Abstract
THE WORK PLACE FOR POLICE PATROL OFFICERS, THE POLICE CRUISER, MUST MEET CERTAIN SPECIFICATIONS (E.G., LARGE SIZE, ADJUSTABLE SEAT POSITIONS IN FRONT, CLEAR VIEW IN ALL DIRECTIONS, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, HEATING SYSTEM); STANDARD EQUIPMENT MUST BE BUILT INTO THE DASHBOARD AND FROM SEAT AREA SO THAT DEVICES CAN BE EASILY USED AND REMOVED FOR REPAIRS, AND THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE OFFICERS' FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT ARE NOT IMPAIRED. CARS SHOULD ALSO BE FOUR-DOOR MODELS WITH POWERFUL ENGINES, A SHORT STEERING RADIUS, AND ANTIPOLLUTION DEVICES. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IT IS CHEAPER TO CONSTRUCT CRUISERS EQUIPPED TO SPECIFICATIONS THAN TO ADAPT THEM AFTER CONSTRUCTION. BASIC VEHICLES FROM PRODUCERS WITH A WELL-DEVELOPED SERVICE SYSTEM ARE PREFERABLE. MOTOR SCOOTERS, WHICH ARE VERY USEFUL FOR MONITORING TRAFFIC IN CROWDED URBAN SITUATIONS, SHOULD NOT BE OVEREQUIPPED BUT SHOULD BE ENCLOSED TO ASSURE PROTECTION OF THE DRIVER. SPECIAL POLICE VEHICLES SHOULD BE ACQUIRED AFTER THE NEED FOR THEM HAS BEEN CAREFULLY ASSESSED AND IF THE VEHICLES CAN BE MASS-PRODUCED POSSIBLY FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY, WITH INTERCHANGEABLE EQUIPMENT AND WITHOUT THE NEED FOR MODIFICATION IN POLICE WORKSHOPS. MOBILE POLICE STATIONS IN VANS CAN BE USED INNOVATIVELY AS THE HOME BASE FOR PATROLS, PERMITTING DAILY COVERAGE OF SEVERAL AREAS. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENT NEEDS FOR VEHICLES CAN FACILITATE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC AS A WHOLE. --IN GERMAN (KMD)