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Wikipedia

Police car

A police car (also called a police cruiser, police interceptor, patrol car, area car, cop car, prowl car, squad car, radio car, or radio motor patrol) is a ground vehicle used by police and law enforcement for transportation during patrols and responses to calls for service. A type of emergency vehicle, police cars are used by police officers to patrol a beat, quickly reach incident scenes, and transport and temporarily detain suspects, all while establishing a police presence and providing visible crime deterrence.

Police cars are traditionally sedans, though SUVs, crossovers, station wagons, hatchbacks, pickup trucks, utes, vans, trucks, off-road vehicles, and even performance cars have seen use in both standard patrol roles and specialized applications. Most police cars are existing vehicle models sold on the civilian market that may or may not be modified variants of their original models (such as the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor being a variant of the Ford Crown Victoria); the few purpose-built examples include the canceled Carbon Motors E7 and the Lenco BearCat armored vehicle.

Police cars usually contain communication devices, issued weaponry, and a variety of equipment, with emergency lights, a siren, and livery markings to distinguish the vehicle as a police car.

History Edit

 
The Akron Police Department's patrol wagon in 1899

The first police car was an electric wagon used by the Akron Police Department in Akron, Ohio in 1899. The first operator of the police patrol wagon was Officer Louis Mueller, Sr. It could reach 16 mph (26 km/h) and travel 30 mi (48 km) before its battery needed to be recharged.[1] The car was built by city mechanical engineer Frank Loomis. The US$2,400 vehicle was equipped with electric lights, gongs, and a stretcher. The car's first assignment was to pick up a drunken man at the junction of Main and Exchange streets.[2]

Ford introduced the flathead V8 in the 1932 Ford as the first mass-marketed V8 car; this low-priced, mass-marketed V8 car became popular with police in the United States, establishing strong brand loyalty that continued into the 21st century. Starting in the 1940s, major American automakers, namely the Big Three, began to manufacture specialized police cars.[3] Over time, these became their own dedicated police fleet offerings, such as the Ford Police Interceptor and Chevrolet 9C1.

In the United Kingdom, Captain Athelstan Popkess, Chief Constable of the Nottingham City Police from 1930 to 1959, transformed British police from their Victorian era foot patrol beat model to the modern car-based reactive response model, through his development of the "Mechanized Division", which used two-way radio communication between police command and police cars. Under Popkess, the Nottingham City Police began to use police cars as an asset that police tactics centered around, such as overlaying police car patrol sectors over foot patrol beats and using police cars to pick up foot patrol officers while responding to crimes.[4][5]

As car ownership increased in the post-World War II economic expansion, police cars became significantly more common in a majority of developed countries as car ownership increased, police jurisdictions expanded farther out into residential and suburban areas, car-oriented urban planning and highways dominated cities, vehicular crimes and police evasion in cars increased, and more equipment was issued to police officers, to the point that vehicles became practically necessary for modern law enforcement.

Types Edit

Various types of police car exist. Depending on the organization of the law enforcement agency, the class of vehicle used as a police car, and the environmental factors of the agency's jurisdiction, many of the types below may or may not exist in certain fleets, or their capabilities may be merged to create all-rounded units with shared vehicles as opposed to specialized units with separate vehicles.

Patrol car Edit

A patrol car is a police car used for standard patrol. Used to replace traditional foot patrols,[6] the patrol car's primary function is to provide transportation for regular police duties, such as responding to calls, enforcing laws, or simply establishing a more visible police presence while on patrol. Driving a patrol car allows officers to reach their destinations more quickly and to cover more ground compared to other methods. Patrol cars are typically designed to be identifiable as police cars to the public and thus almost always have proper markings, roof-mounted emergency lights, and sirens.[7]

Response car Edit

A response car, also known as a pursuit car, area car, rapid response unit, or fast response car, is a police car used to ensure quick responses to emergencies compared to patrol cars. It is likely to be of a higher specification, capable of higher speeds, and often fitted with unique markings and increased-visibility emergency lights. These cars are generally only used to respond to emergency incidents and may carry specialized equipment not used in regular patrol cars, such as long arms.[8][9][10]

Traffic car Edit

 
Supercars—including a Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari FF, Bentley Continental GT, and McLaren 12C—used for traffic enforcement by the Dubai Police Force. They are only used in tourist areas; regular units use standard patrol cars.

A traffic car, also known as a highway patrol car, traffic enforcement unit, speed enforcement unit, or road policing unit, is a police car tasked with enforcing traffic laws and conducting traffic stops, typically on major roadways such as highways. They are often relatively high-performance vehicles compared to patrol cars, as they must be capable of catching up to fast-moving vehicles. They may have specific markings or special emergency lights to either improve or hinder visibility. Alternatively, some traffic cars may use the same models as patrol cars, and may barely differ from them aside from markings, radar speed guns, and traffic-oriented equipment.

Unmarked car Edit

 
An unmarked Chevrolet Impala used by the Memphis Police Department. Flashing emergency lights are visible in the rear window.

An unmarked car is a police car that lacks markings and often easily-visible or roof-mounted emergency lights. They are generally used for varying purposes, ranging from standard patrol and traffic enforcement to sting operations and detective work. They have the advantage of not being immediately recognizable, and are considered a valuable tool in catching criminals in the commission of a crime or by surprise.[11] The resemblance an unmarked police car has to a civilian vehicle varies based on their application: they may use the same models as marked patrol cars, and may be virtually identical to them aside from the lack of roof-mounted emergency lights, with pushbars and spotlights clearly visible; alternatively, they may use common civilian vehicle models that blend in with traffic, with emergency lights embedded in the grille or capable of being hidden and revealed, such as Japanese unmarked cars having retractable beacons built into the car's roof.[12]

Unmarked cars typically use regular civilian license plates, occasionally even in jurisdictions where emergency vehicles and government vehicles use unique license plates, though some agencies or jurisdictions may be able to use the unique plates anyway; for example, American federal law enforcement agencies may use either government plates or regular license plates.[13]

The term "undercover car" is often used to describe unmarked cars. However, this usage is erroneous; unmarked cars are police cars that lack markings but have police equipment, emergency lights, and sirens, while undercover cars lack these entirely and are essentially civilian vehicles used by law enforcement in undercover operations to avoid detection.[14]

The close resemblance of unmarked cars to civilian cars has created concerns of police impersonation.[15][16][17] Some police officers advise motorists that they do not have to pull over in a secluded location and instead can wait until they reach somewhere safer.[17] In the UK, officers must be wearing uniforms in order to make traffic stops. Motorists can also ask for the officer's badge and identification or call an emergency number or a police non-emergency number to confirm if the police unit is genuine.[18]

Ghost car Edit

 
A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor used as a ghost car by the Toronto Police Service. A light is being shined on the front fender of the vehicle, revealing its hidden markings.

A ghost car, also known as a stealth car or semi-marked car, is a police car that combines elements of both an unmarked car and a marked patrol car, featuring markings that are either similar colors to the vehicle's body paint, or are reflective graphics that are difficult to see unless illuminated by lights or viewed at certain angles.[19] Ghost cars are often used for traffic enforcement, though they may also be used in lieu of unmarked cars in jurisdictions where they are prohibited or have their enforcement capabilities limited, such as being unable to conduct traffic stops.[20][21] In these instances, the markings on ghost cars may be sufficient to legally count as marked police cars, despite the markings being difficult to see.

Utility vehicle Edit

 
A Ford F-Series utility vehicle towing a horse trailer for the mounted unit of the Toronto Police Service

A utility vehicle is a police car used for utility or support purposes as opposed to regular police duties. Utility vehicles are usually all-wheel drive vehicles with cargo space such as SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, utes, or off-road vehicles. They are often used to transport or tow assets such as trailers, equipment, or other vehicles such as police boats;[22] they are alternatively used for or are capable of off-roading, especially in fleets where most other vehicles cannot do so. They can also be used for animal control, if that is the responsibility of police within that jurisdiction.[23] Some utility vehicles can be used for transporting teams of officers and occasionally have facilities to securely detain and transport a small number of suspects, provided there is enough seating space.

Police dog vehicle Edit

 
A Holden Ute (VE) used as a police dog vehicle by the Australian Federal Police

A police dog vehicle, also known as a K-9 vehicle or a police dog unit, is a police car modified to transport police dogs. The models used for these vehicles range from the same as patrol cars to dedicated SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans. To provide sufficient space for the police dog, there is usually a cage in the trunk or rear seats with enough space for the dog, though some agencies may put the cage in the front passenger seat, or may lack a cage entirely and simply have the dog in the rear compartment. There may or may not be space to transport detainees or additional officers. Police dog vehicles almost always have markings noting they have a police dog on board, typically just the agency's standard markings with the added notice.[24][25]

Decoy car Edit

A decoy car is a police car used to establish a police presence, typically to deter traffic violations or speeding, without a police officer actually being present. They may be older models retired from use, civilian cars modified to resemble police cars, or demonstration vehicles. In some instances, a "decoy car" may not be a vehicle at all, but rather a life-sized cutout or sign depicting a police car. Use of decoy cars is intended to ensure crime deterrence without having to commit manpower, allowing the officer that would otherwise be there to be freed up for other assignments.

In the United Kingdom, decoy liveried police cars and vans may be parked on filling station forecourts to deter motorists dispensing fuel then making off without payment, also known as "bilking".[26][27]

The use of decoy cars is entirely up to the agency, though in 2005, the Virginia General Assembly considered a bill that would make decoy cars a legal requirement for police. The bill stated in part: "Whenever any law-enforcement vehicle is permanently taken out of service ... such vehicle shall be placed at a conspicuous location within a highway median in order to deter violations of motor vehicle laws at that location. Such vehicles shall ... be rotated from one location to another as needed to maintain their deterrent effect."[28]

Surveillance car Edit

A surveillance car is a police car used for surveillance purposes. Usually SUVs, vans, or trucks, surveillance cars can be marked, unmarked, undercover, or disguised, and may be crewed or remotely monitored. They are used to gather evidence of criminal offenses or provide better vantage points at events or high-traffic areas. The surveillance method used varies, and may include CCTV, hidden cameras, wiretapping devices, or even aerial platforms. Some surveillance cars may also be used as bait cars, deployed to catch car thieves.

Armored vehicle Edit

 
A Lenco BearCat and two mobile command centers used by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia

A police armored vehicle, also known as a SWAT vehicle, tactical vehicle, or rescue vehicle, is an armored vehicle used in a police capacity. They are typically four-wheeled armored vehicles with similar configurations to military light utility vehicles, infantry mobility vehicles, internal security vehicles. MRAPs, or similar armored personnel carriers, that lack mounted and installed weaponry. As their name suggests, they are typically used to transport police tactical units such as SWAT teams, though they may also be used in riot control or to establish police presence at events.


Mobile command center Edit

A mobile command center, also known as an emergency operations center, mobile command post, or mobile police station, is a truck used to provide a central command center at the scene of an incident, or to establish a visible police presence or temporary police station at an event.

Bomb disposal vehicle Edit

 
A bomb disposal vehicle used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation

A bomb disposal vehicle is a vehicle used by bomb disposal squads to transport equipment and bomb disposal robots, or to store bombs for later disposal. They are often vans or trucks, typically with at least one bomb containment chamber installed in the rear of the vehicle, and ramps to allow bomb disposal robots to access the vehicle. Bomb disposal vehicles are generally not explosive-resistant and are only used for transporting explosives for disposal, not actively disposing of them.

Armed vehicle Edit

An armed police vehicle is a police vehicle that has lethal weaponry installed on it. These are often technicals or light utility vehicles with machine gun turrets, and may or may not lack emergency lights and sirens. Armed police vehicles are very rare and are usually only used in wartime, in regions with very high violent crime rates, or where combat with organized crime or insurgencies is common to the point that armed police vehicles are necessary; for example, the Iraqi Police received technicals during the Iraq War,[29] and the National Police of Ukraine used armed vehicles during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the STREIT Group Spartan and a modified BMW 6 Series with a mounted machine gun.[30]

These should not be confused with police vehicles that have turrets but do not have guns, which are often just police armored vehicles or, if less-lethal munitions are used, riot control vehicles.

Riot control vehicle Edit

 
A water cannon truck and a police armored vehicle used by the Saxon Police Force

A riot control vehicle, also known as a riot suppression vehicle or simply a riot vehicle, is an armored or reinforced police vehicle used for riot control. A wide array of vehicles, from armored SUVs and vans to dedicated trucks and armored personnel carriers, are used by law enforcement to suppress or intimidate riots, protests, and public order crimes; hold and reinforce a police barricade to keep the scene contained; or simply transport officers and equipment at the scene in a manner safer than what could be achieved with a standard police car.

Common modifications include tear gas launchers, shields, and caged windows. Some riot control vehicles also include less-lethal weaponry and devices, such as water cannons and long-range acoustic devices.

Community engagement, liaison, and demonstration vehicles Edit

A community engagement vehicle, also known as a liaison vehicle, demonstration vehicle, or parade car, is a police car used for display and community policing purposes, but not for patrol duties. These are often high-performance, modified cars, classic police cars, or vehicles seized from convicted criminals and converted to police cars, used to represent the agency in parades, promote a specific program (such as the D.A.R.E. program), or help build connections between law enforcement and certain groups that the vehicle appeals to.

Some cars can be visibly marked but not fitted with audio or visual warning devices. These are used by community liaison officers for transport to engagements and making appearances at community events.[31][32]

Some vehicles are produced by automotive manufacturers with police markings to showcase them to police departments; these are usually concepts, prototypes, or reveals of their police fleet offerings. Emergency light and siren manufacturers such as Federal Signal, Whelen, and Code 3 also use unofficial police cars to demonstrate their emergency vehicle equipment.

Equipment Edit

 
The police car on the left has a roof-mounted lightbar. However, the one on the right, often called a "slicktop", does not have a roof-mounted lightbar, making it potentially difficult to detect as a police car. The slicktop is also a traffic enforcement car.

Police cars are usually passenger car models which are upgraded to the specifications required by the purchasing police service. Several vehicle manufacturers provide a "police package" option, which is built to police specifications from the factory. Agencies may add to these modifications by adding their own equipment and making their own modifications after purchasing a vehicle.[33]

Mechanical modifications Edit

Modifications a police car might undergo include adjustments for higher durability, speed, high-mileage driving, and long periods of idling at a higher temperature. This is usually accomplished through installing heavy duty suspension, brakes, calibrated speedometer, tires, alternator, transmission, and cooling systems. The car's stock engine may be modified or replaced by a more powerful engine from another vehicle from the manufacturer. The car's electrical system may also be upgraded to accommodate for the additional electronic police equipment.

Warning systems Edit

 
A Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau car at Tiananmen Square with emergency lights and several lighting devices installed on its roof

Police vehicles are often fitted with audible and visual warning systems to alert other motorists of their approach or position on the road. In many countries, use of the audible and visual warnings affords the officer a degree of exemption from road traffic laws (such as the right to exceed speed limits, or to treat red stop lights as a yield sign) and may also suggest a duty on other motorists to yield for the police car and allow it to pass.

Warning systems on a police vehicle can be of two types: passive or active.

Passive visual warnings Edit

 
A Ford Police Interceptor Utility used by the St. Thomas Police Service, with a Battenburg marking design along the side of the vehicle for better visibility

Passive visual warnings are the livery markings on the vehicle. Police vehicle markings usually make use of bright colors or strong contrast with the base color of the vehicle. Some police cars have retroreflective markings that reflect light for better visibility at night, though others may only have painted on or non-reflective markings. Examples of markings and designs used in police liveries include black and white, Battenburg markings, Sillitoe tartan, and "jam sandwich" markings.

Police vehicle markings include, at the very least, the word "police" (or a similar applicable phrase if the agency does not use that term, such as "sheriff", "gendarmerie", "state trooper", "public safety" etc.) and the agency's name or jurisdiction (such as "national police" or "Chicago Police"). Also common are the agency's seal, the jurisdiction's seal, and a unit number. Text is usually in the national language or local language, though other languages may be used where appropriate, such as in ethnic enclaves or areas with large numbers of tourists.

Unmarked vehicles generally lack passive visual warnings, while ghost cars have markings that are visible only at certain angles, such as from the rear or sides, making them appear unmarked when viewed from the front.[19]

Another unofficial passive visual warning of police vehicles can simply be the vehicle's silhouette if its use as a police car is common, such as that of the Ford Crown Victoria in North America, or the presence of emergency vehicle equipment on the vehicle, such as a pushbar or a roof-mounted lightbar.

Active visual warnings Edit

 
A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with its emergency lights activated

Active visual warnings are the emergency lights on the vehicle. These lights are used while responding to attract the attention of other road users and coerce them into yielding for the police car to pass. The colors used by police car lights depend on the jurisdiction, though they are commonly blue and red. Several types of flashing lights are used, such as rotating beacons, halogen lamps, or LED strobes. Some agencies use arrow sticks to direct traffic, or message display boards to provide short messages or instructions to motorists. The headlights and tail lights of some vehicles can be made to flash, or small strobe lights can be fitted in the vehicle lights.

Audible warnings Edit

A Toronto Police Service Ford Police Interceptor Sedan using its emergency lights and sirens through traffic and an intersection

Audible warnings are the sirens on the vehicle. These sirens alert road users to the presence of an emergency vehicle before they can be seen, to warn of their approach. The first audible warnings were mechanical bells, mounted to either the front or roof of the car. A later development was the rotating air siren, which makes noise when air moves past it. Most modern police vehicles use electronic sirens, which can produce a range of different noises. Different models and manufacturers have distinct siren noises; one siren model, the Rumbler, emits a low frequency sound that can be felt through vibrations, allowing those who would not otherwise hear the siren or see the emergency vehicle to still know it is approaching.[34]

Different siren noises may be used depending on traffic conditions and the context. For example, on a clear road, "wail" (a long up-and-down unbroken tone) is often used, whereas in heavy slow traffic or at intersections, "yelp" (essentially a sped-up wail) may be preferred. Other noises are used in certain countries and jurisdictions, such as "phaser" (a series of brief sped-up beeps) and "hi-lo" (a two-tone up-down sound). Some vehicles may also be fitted with electronic airhorns.

Police-specific equipment Edit

A wide range of equipment is carried in police cars, used to make police work easier or safer. The installation of this equipment in a police car partially transforms it into a desk. Police officers use their car to fill out different forms, print documents, type on a computer or a console, and examine different screens, all while driving. Ergonomics in layout and installation of these items in the police car plays an important role in the comfort and safety of the police officers at work and preventing injuries such as back pain and musculoskeletal disorders.[35][36][37][38]

Communication devices Edit

Police radio systems are generally standard equipment in police cars, used to communicate between the officers assigned to the car and the dispatcher. Mobile data terminals are also common as alternative ways to communicate with the dispatcher or receive important information, and are typically a tablet or a dashboard-mounted laptop installed in the car.

Suspect transport enclosure Edit

 
A separate compartment at the rear of a police van used to carry suspects
 
A barrier separating the rear and front seats of a police car, also known as a partition

Suspect transport enclosures are typically located at the rear of the vehicle, taking up the rear seats or rear compartment. The seats are sometimes modified to be a hard metal or plastic bench. Separating the transport enclosure is often a partition, a barrier between the front and rear compartments typically made of metal with a window made of reinforced glass, clear plastic, or metal mesh or bars. Some police cars do not have partitions; in these instances, another officer may have to sit in the rear to secure the detainee, or a dedicated transport vehicle may be called.

Weapon storage Edit

Weapons may be stored in the trunk or front compartment of the vehicle. In countries where police officers are already armed with handguns, long guns such as rifles or shotguns may be kept on a gun rack in the front or in the trunk, alongside ammunition. In countries where police are not armed or do not keep their guns on them, handguns may be kept in the car instead; for example, Norwegian Police Service officers are issued handguns, but they keep them in a locked compartment in their car that requires high-ranking authorization to access.[39] Less-lethal weaponry and riot gear may also be stored in the trunk.

Rescue equipment Edit

Rescue equipment such as first aid kits, dressing, fire extinguishers, defibrillators, and naloxone kits are often kept in police cars to provide first aid and rescue when necessary.

Scene equipment Edit

Tools such as barricade tape, traffic cones, traffic barricades, and road flares are often kept in police cars to secure scenes for further investigation.

Recording equipment Edit

Recording equipment such as dashcams and interior cameras are installed in some police cars to make audio and video recordings of incidents, police interactions, and evidence.

Detectors Edit

 
Automatic number-plate recognition cameras fitted on a police car

Detector devices such as radar speed guns, automatic number-plate recognition, and LoJack are used in some police cars, typically in traffic enforcement, to detect speeding violations, read multiple plates for flags (such as warrants or lack of insurance) without having to manually check, and track stolen cars, respectively.

Pushbar Edit

 
A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with light damage after performing a PIT maneuver. The pushbar on the vehicle protected it from worse damage.

Pushbars, also known as bullbars, rambars, or nudge bars, are fitted to the chassis of a police car to augment the front bumper. They allow the car to push disabled vehicles out of a roadway, breach small and light objects, and conduct PIT maneuvers with less damage to the front of the vehicle. Pushbar designs vary; some are small and only protect the grille, while others have extensions that shield as far as the headlights. Some pushbars also have emergency lights installed on them, providing additional visual warnings.

Spotlights Edit

Spotlights are small searchlights typically installed on the A-pillar of a police car. They are used to provide light in darkened areas or where necessary, such as down alleyways or into a suspect's car during a nighttime traffic stop. These spotlights can be aimed and activated by the officers inside the vehicle. Usually, one or two are installed on the car, though more may occasionally be installed on the roof, grille, bumper, or pushbar.

Run lock Edit

Run locks allow the vehicle's engine to be left running without the keys being in the ignition. This allows adequate power to be supplied to the vehicle's equipment at the scene of an incident without battery drain. The vehicle can only be driven after inserting the keys; if the keys are not inserted, the engine will switch off if the handbrake is disengaged or the footbrake is activated.[40]

Ballistic protection Edit

Some police cars can be optionally upgraded with bullet-resistant armor in the car doors.[41] The armor is typically made from ceramic ballistic plates and aramid baffles. A 2016 news report said that Ford sells 5 to 10 percent of their American police vehicles with ballistic protection in the doors. In 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all NYPD patrol cars would have bullet-resistant door panels and bullet-resistant window inserts installed.[42][43]

Use by country Edit

See also Edit

General Edit

Other types of emergency vehicles Edit

References Edit

  1. ^ Akron & Summit County History:Police 2008-05-06 at the Wayback Machine, akronhistory.org
  2. ^ "The Police Wagon", Akron Beacon Journal, 1999-06-20
  3. ^ "Public Safety & Next-Generation Communications - Motorola Solutions Blog". Spillman.com. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
  4. ^ Andrews, Tom (2020). The Greatest Policeman? A Biography of Capt Athelstan Popkess CBE, OStJ Chief Constable of Nottingham City Police 1930 - 1959. Blue Lamp Books. ISBN 978-1911273899.
  5. ^ Popkess, Capt Athelstan (1 January 1933). "Pursuit by Wireless: The Value of Mobility". The Police Journal: Theory, Practice, and Principles. 6, 1.
  6. ^ Critchley, TA (1967). A History of Police in England and Wales. Constable and Company.
  7. ^ Sampson, Fraser (2006). Blackstone's Police Manual Volume 4: General Police Duties. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-928522-5.
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  12. ^ "Unmarked police cars in Japan use Transformer-style trick when they pull someone over". Japan Today. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  13. ^ "151. Using State License Plates on Official Government Vehicles". www.justice.gov. 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
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  16. ^ "'Fake police car' pulls driver over on M20 at Folkestone". Kent Online. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  17. ^ a b . News 5 Cleveland. February 17, 2013. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  18. ^ . August 19, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-08-19.
  19. ^ a b "Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study" (PDF). p. 24. Retrieved 25 January 2014. For law enforcement vehicles, retroreflective material can be concentrated on the sides and rear to maintain stealth when facing traffic or patrolling.
  20. ^ "'Ghost' Police Cars Are Becoming More Popular | GetJerry.com". getjerry.com. Retrieved 2022-09-26.
  21. ^ Day, Lewin (2021-06-10). "Texas Police Are Now Using 'Ghost' Camaros to Patrol the Highways". The Drive. Retrieved 2022-09-26.
  22. ^ "NSW Police Marine Command adds RAM 1500 to rescue fleet". Exhaust Notes. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  23. ^ Showers, David (10 March 2020). "City board OKs new vehicles for police department". The Sentinel Record. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  24. ^ "Old South African K9 unit police cars are marked 'dog unit'". Africa Check. 2019-06-11. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  25. ^ . Archived from the original on 2007-09-29.
  26. ^ Mulderrig, Amie (26 July 2012). "Police van parked in Tesco Express petrol station forecourt". Watford Observer. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  27. ^ "Recycled police van deters the thieves". The Northern Echo. 3 October 2005. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Bill Tracking - 2005 session > Legislation". Leg1.state.va.us. 2005-01-12. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  29. ^ . Defendamerica.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-01-05. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  30. ^ Cailler, Adam (2022-03-15). "Ukrainian cops gifted BMW 6 Series decked out with flag and machine gun turret". Mirror. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  31. ^ . Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  32. ^ "Jazzy new patrol cars for Surrey police". Car Pages. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  33. ^ "(fr) Modification of a Charger 2012 from the Sureté du Québec, Québec Provincial Police". YouTube. Youtube.com. 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
  34. ^ Kaminer, Ariel (2011-02-26). "The New Police Siren: You'll Feel It Coming". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  35. ^ CÔTÉ, Marie-Michelle et al. (1991) Patrol Car Passenger Compartment Design and the Prevention of Low Back Pain 2013-09-17 at the Wayback MachineReport R-049, IRSST: Montréal, 109 pages
  36. ^ DUFORD, Marie-Claude (2010) Aménagement de l'habitacle de véhicule de patrouille: Analyse ergonomique et élaboration d'outils et de recommandations pour prévenir les troubles musculo-squelettiques et améliorer le confort et l'efficacité des patrouilleurs, UQAM: Montréal, 209 p.
  37. ^ VINCENT, Patrick et Esther THIBAULT (2012) Réussir l’aménagement de votre véhicule de patrouille : l’importance de l’ergonomie. Efficacité – Sécurité - Confort 2013-06-22 at the Wayback Machine, APSAM-APSSAP-Vincent Ergonomie, Congrès de l'Association québécoise pour l'hygiène, la santé et la sécurité du travail
  38. ^ VINCENT, Patrick et Esther THIBAULT (2013) L'aménagement du véhicule de patrouille: sous la loupe de l'ergonomie, APSAM-APSSAP, 36 p.
  39. ^ "6.7.2 Politiets bevæpningsadgang". Politiets rolle og oppgaver (in Norwegian). Ministry of Justice and the Police. 24 June 2005. Archived from the original on 18 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  40. ^ "Hampshire Police Open Day - BMW X5 Runlock System Explained". YouTube. 2007-06-02. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  41. ^ "Local law enforcement leaders don't see need for bulletproof patrol car doors". Argus Leader. USA Today. 10 March 2016.
  42. ^ Gonen, Yoav (2017-01-23). "NYPD to install bulletproof windows in all patrol cars". Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  43. ^ "NYPD to install bullet-resistant windows in all patrol cars". Police1. Retrieved 2023-02-07.

External links Edit

  •   Media related to Police automobiles at Wikimedia Commons

police, redirects, here, other, uses, squad, redirects, here, song, eddie, showmen, police, truck, redirects, here, dead, kennedys, song, police, truck, examples, perspective, this, article, deal, primarily, with, united, states, represent, worldwide, view, su. Cop car redirects here For other uses see Cop Car Squad car redirects here For the song see Eddie amp the Showmen Police truck redirects here For the Dead Kennedys song see Police Truck The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject You may improve this article discuss the issue on the talk page or create a new article as appropriate May 2023 Learn how and when to remove this template message A police car also called a police cruiser police interceptor patrol car area car cop car prowl car squad car radio car or radio motor patrol is a ground vehicle used by police and law enforcement for transportation during patrols and responses to calls for service A type of emergency vehicle police cars are used by police officers to patrol a beat quickly reach incident scenes and transport and temporarily detain suspects all while establishing a police presence and providing visible crime deterrence Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor used by the Los Angeles Police DepartmentBMW X5 used by the Metropolitan Police ServiceNissan 370Z used by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentNissan NV350 Urvan used by the National Police of ColombiaFord Ranger used by the South African Police ServiceHolden Ute VF used by the Western Australia Police Force Police cars are traditionally sedans though SUVs crossovers station wagons hatchbacks pickup trucks utes vans trucks off road vehicles and even performance cars have seen use in both standard patrol roles and specialized applications Most police cars are existing vehicle models sold on the civilian market that may or may not be modified variants of their original models such as the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor being a variant of the Ford Crown Victoria the few purpose built examples include the canceled Carbon Motors E7 and the Lenco BearCat armored vehicle Police cars usually contain communication devices issued weaponry and a variety of equipment with emergency lights a siren and livery markings to distinguish the vehicle as a police car Contents 1 History 2 Types 2 1 Patrol car 2 2 Response car 2 3 Traffic car 2 4 Unmarked car 2 4 1 Ghost car 2 5 Utility vehicle 2 6 Police dog vehicle 2 7 Decoy car 2 8 Surveillance car 2 9 Armored vehicle 2 10 Mobile command center 2 11 Bomb disposal vehicle 2 12 Armed vehicle 2 13 Riot control vehicle 2 14 Community engagement liaison and demonstration vehicles 3 Equipment 3 1 Mechanical modifications 3 2 Warning systems 3 2 1 Passive visual warnings 3 2 2 Active visual warnings 3 2 3 Audible warnings 3 3 Police specific equipment 3 3 1 Communication devices 3 3 2 Suspect transport enclosure 3 3 3 Weapon storage 3 3 4 Rescue equipment 3 3 5 Scene equipment 3 3 6 Recording equipment 3 3 7 Detectors 3 3 8 Pushbar 3 3 9 Spotlights 3 3 10 Run lock 3 4 Ballistic protection 4 Use by country 5 See also 5 1 General 5 2 Other types of emergency vehicles 6 References 7 External linksHistory Edit The Akron Police Department s patrol wagon in 1899The first police car was an electric wagon used by the Akron Police Department in Akron Ohio in 1899 The first operator of the police patrol wagon was Officer Louis Mueller Sr It could reach 16 mph 26 km h and travel 30 mi 48 km before its battery needed to be recharged 1 The car was built by city mechanical engineer Frank Loomis The US 2 400 vehicle was equipped with electric lights gongs and a stretcher The car s first assignment was to pick up a drunken man at the junction of Main and Exchange streets 2 Ford introduced the flathead V8 in the 1932 Ford as the first mass marketed V8 car this low priced mass marketed V8 car became popular with police in the United States establishing strong brand loyalty that continued into the 21st century Starting in the 1940s major American automakers namely the Big Three began to manufacture specialized police cars 3 Over time these became their own dedicated police fleet offerings such as the Ford Police Interceptor and Chevrolet 9C1 In the United Kingdom Captain Athelstan Popkess Chief Constable of the Nottingham City Police from 1930 to 1959 transformed British police from their Victorian era foot patrol beat model to the modern car based reactive response model through his development of the Mechanized Division which used two way radio communication between police command and police cars Under Popkess the Nottingham City Police began to use police cars as an asset that police tactics centered around such as overlaying police car patrol sectors over foot patrol beats and using police cars to pick up foot patrol officers while responding to crimes 4 5 As car ownership increased in the post World War II economic expansion police cars became significantly more common in a majority of developed countries as car ownership increased police jurisdictions expanded farther out into residential and suburban areas car oriented urban planning and highways dominated cities vehicular crimes and police evasion in cars increased and more equipment was issued to police officers to the point that vehicles became practically necessary for modern law enforcement Types EditVarious types of police car exist Depending on the organization of the law enforcement agency the class of vehicle used as a police car and the environmental factors of the agency s jurisdiction many of the types below may or may not exist in certain fleets or their capabilities may be merged to create all rounded units with shared vehicles as opposed to specialized units with separate vehicles Patrol car Edit A patrol car is a police car used for standard patrol Used to replace traditional foot patrols 6 the patrol car s primary function is to provide transportation for regular police duties such as responding to calls enforcing laws or simply establishing a more visible police presence while on patrol Driving a patrol car allows officers to reach their destinations more quickly and to cover more ground compared to other methods Patrol cars are typically designed to be identifiable as police cars to the public and thus almost always have proper markings roof mounted emergency lights and sirens 7 Response car Edit A response car also known as a pursuit car area car rapid response unit or fast response car is a police car used to ensure quick responses to emergencies compared to patrol cars It is likely to be of a higher specification capable of higher speeds and often fitted with unique markings and increased visibility emergency lights These cars are generally only used to respond to emergency incidents and may carry specialized equipment not used in regular patrol cars such as long arms 8 9 10 Traffic car Edit Supercars including a Bugatti Veyron Ferrari FF Bentley Continental GT and McLaren 12C used for traffic enforcement by the Dubai Police Force They are only used in tourist areas regular units use standard patrol cars A traffic car also known as a highway patrol car traffic enforcement unit speed enforcement unit or road policing unit is a police car tasked with enforcing traffic laws and conducting traffic stops typically on major roadways such as highways They are often relatively high performance vehicles compared to patrol cars as they must be capable of catching up to fast moving vehicles They may have specific markings or special emergency lights to either improve or hinder visibility Alternatively some traffic cars may use the same models as patrol cars and may barely differ from them aside from markings radar speed guns and traffic oriented equipment Unmarked car Edit An unmarked Chevrolet Impala used by the Memphis Police Department Flashing emergency lights are visible in the rear window An unmarked car is a police car that lacks markings and often easily visible or roof mounted emergency lights They are generally used for varying purposes ranging from standard patrol and traffic enforcement to sting operations and detective work They have the advantage of not being immediately recognizable and are considered a valuable tool in catching criminals in the commission of a crime or by surprise 11 The resemblance an unmarked police car has to a civilian vehicle varies based on their application they may use the same models as marked patrol cars and may be virtually identical to them aside from the lack of roof mounted emergency lights with pushbars and spotlights clearly visible alternatively they may use common civilian vehicle models that blend in with traffic with emergency lights embedded in the grille or capable of being hidden and revealed such as Japanese unmarked cars having retractable beacons built into the car s roof 12 Unmarked cars typically use regular civilian license plates occasionally even in jurisdictions where emergency vehicles and government vehicles use unique license plates though some agencies or jurisdictions may be able to use the unique plates anyway for example American federal law enforcement agencies may use either government plates or regular license plates 13 The term undercover car is often used to describe unmarked cars However this usage is erroneous unmarked cars are police cars that lack markings but have police equipment emergency lights and sirens while undercover cars lack these entirely and are essentially civilian vehicles used by law enforcement in undercover operations to avoid detection 14 The close resemblance of unmarked cars to civilian cars has created concerns of police impersonation 15 16 17 Some police officers advise motorists that they do not have to pull over in a secluded location and instead can wait until they reach somewhere safer 17 In the UK officers must be wearing uniforms in order to make traffic stops Motorists can also ask for the officer s badge and identification or call an emergency number or a police non emergency number to confirm if the police unit is genuine 18 Ghost car Edit A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor used as a ghost car by the Toronto Police Service A light is being shined on the front fender of the vehicle revealing its hidden markings A ghost car also known as a stealth car or semi marked car is a police car that combines elements of both an unmarked car and a marked patrol car featuring markings that are either similar colors to the vehicle s body paint or are reflective graphics that are difficult to see unless illuminated by lights or viewed at certain angles 19 Ghost cars are often used for traffic enforcement though they may also be used in lieu of unmarked cars in jurisdictions where they are prohibited or have their enforcement capabilities limited such as being unable to conduct traffic stops 20 21 In these instances the markings on ghost cars may be sufficient to legally count as marked police cars despite the markings being difficult to see Utility vehicle Edit A Ford F Series utility vehicle towing a horse trailer for the mounted unit of the Toronto Police ServiceA utility vehicle is a police car used for utility or support purposes as opposed to regular police duties Utility vehicles are usually all wheel drive vehicles with cargo space such as SUVs pickup trucks vans utes or off road vehicles They are often used to transport or tow assets such as trailers equipment or other vehicles such as police boats 22 they are alternatively used for or are capable of off roading especially in fleets where most other vehicles cannot do so They can also be used for animal control if that is the responsibility of police within that jurisdiction 23 Some utility vehicles can be used for transporting teams of officers and occasionally have facilities to securely detain and transport a small number of suspects provided there is enough seating space Police dog vehicle Edit A Holden Ute VE used as a police dog vehicle by the Australian Federal PoliceA police dog vehicle also known as a K 9 vehicle or a police dog unit is a police car modified to transport police dogs The models used for these vehicles range from the same as patrol cars to dedicated SUVs pickup trucks or vans To provide sufficient space for the police dog there is usually a cage in the trunk or rear seats with enough space for the dog though some agencies may put the cage in the front passenger seat or may lack a cage entirely and simply have the dog in the rear compartment There may or may not be space to transport detainees or additional officers Police dog vehicles almost always have markings noting they have a police dog on board typically just the agency s standard markings with the added notice 24 25 Decoy car Edit A decoy car is a police car used to establish a police presence typically to deter traffic violations or speeding without a police officer actually being present They may be older models retired from use civilian cars modified to resemble police cars or demonstration vehicles In some instances a decoy car may not be a vehicle at all but rather a life sized cutout or sign depicting a police car Use of decoy cars is intended to ensure crime deterrence without having to commit manpower allowing the officer that would otherwise be there to be freed up for other assignments In the United Kingdom decoy liveried police cars and vans may be parked on filling station forecourts to deter motorists dispensing fuel then making off without payment also known as bilking 26 27 The use of decoy cars is entirely up to the agency though in 2005 the Virginia General Assembly considered a bill that would make decoy cars a legal requirement for police The bill stated in part Whenever any law enforcement vehicle is permanently taken out of service such vehicle shall be placed at a conspicuous location within a highway median in order to deter violations of motor vehicle laws at that location Such vehicles shall be rotated from one location to another as needed to maintain their deterrent effect 28 Surveillance car Edit A surveillance car is a police car used for surveillance purposes Usually SUVs vans or trucks surveillance cars can be marked unmarked undercover or disguised and may be crewed or remotely monitored They are used to gather evidence of criminal offenses or provide better vantage points at events or high traffic areas The surveillance method used varies and may include CCTV hidden cameras wiretapping devices or even aerial platforms Some surveillance cars may also be used as bait cars deployed to catch car thieves Armored vehicle Edit Main article SWAT vehicle A Lenco BearCat and two mobile command centers used by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of ColumbiaA police armored vehicle also known as a SWAT vehicle tactical vehicle or rescue vehicle is an armored vehicle used in a police capacity They are typically four wheeled armored vehicles with similar configurations to military light utility vehicles infantry mobility vehicles internal security vehicles MRAPs or similar armored personnel carriers that lack mounted and installed weaponry As their name suggests they are typically used to transport police tactical units such as SWAT teams though they may also be used in riot control or to establish police presence at events Mobile command center Edit Main article Emergency operations center A mobile command center also known as an emergency operations center mobile command post or mobile police station is a truck used to provide a central command center at the scene of an incident or to establish a visible police presence or temporary police station at an event Bomb disposal vehicle Edit A bomb disposal vehicle used by the Federal Bureau of InvestigationA bomb disposal vehicle is a vehicle used by bomb disposal squads to transport equipment and bomb disposal robots or to store bombs for later disposal They are often vans or trucks typically with at least one bomb containment chamber installed in the rear of the vehicle and ramps to allow bomb disposal robots to access the vehicle Bomb disposal vehicles are generally not explosive resistant and are only used for transporting explosives for disposal not actively disposing of them Armed vehicle Edit An armed police vehicle is a police vehicle that has lethal weaponry installed on it These are often technicals or light utility vehicles with machine gun turrets and may or may not lack emergency lights and sirens Armed police vehicles are very rare and are usually only used in wartime in regions with very high violent crime rates or where combat with organized crime or insurgencies is common to the point that armed police vehicles are necessary for example the Iraqi Police received technicals during the Iraq War 29 and the National Police of Ukraine used armed vehicles during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine including the STREIT Group Spartan and a modified BMW 6 Series with a mounted machine gun 30 These should not be confused with police vehicles that have turrets but do not have guns which are often just police armored vehicles or if less lethal munitions are used riot control vehicles Riot control vehicle Edit A water cannon truck and a police armored vehicle used by the Saxon Police ForceA riot control vehicle also known as a riot suppression vehicle or simply a riot vehicle is an armored or reinforced police vehicle used for riot control A wide array of vehicles from armored SUVs and vans to dedicated trucks and armored personnel carriers are used by law enforcement to suppress or intimidate riots protests and public order crimes hold and reinforce a police barricade to keep the scene contained or simply transport officers and equipment at the scene in a manner safer than what could be achieved with a standard police car Common modifications include tear gas launchers shields and caged windows Some riot control vehicles also include less lethal weaponry and devices such as water cannons and long range acoustic devices Community engagement liaison and demonstration vehicles Edit A community engagement vehicle also known as a liaison vehicle demonstration vehicle or parade car is a police car used for display and community policing purposes but not for patrol duties These are often high performance modified cars classic police cars or vehicles seized from convicted criminals and converted to police cars used to represent the agency in parades promote a specific program such as the D A R E program or help build connections between law enforcement and certain groups that the vehicle appeals to Some cars can be visibly marked but not fitted with audio or visual warning devices These are used by community liaison officers for transport to engagements and making appearances at community events 31 32 Some vehicles are produced by automotive manufacturers with police markings to showcase them to police departments these are usually concepts prototypes or reveals of their police fleet offerings Emergency light and siren manufacturers such as Federal Signal Whelen and Code 3 also use unofficial police cars to demonstrate their emergency vehicle equipment Equipment EditMain article Emergency vehicle equipment The police car on the left has a roof mounted lightbar However the one on the right often called a slicktop does not have a roof mounted lightbar making it potentially difficult to detect as a police car The slicktop is also a traffic enforcement car Police cars are usually passenger car models which are upgraded to the specifications required by the purchasing police service Several vehicle manufacturers provide a police package option which is built to police specifications from the factory Agencies may add to these modifications by adding their own equipment and making their own modifications after purchasing a vehicle 33 Mechanical modifications Edit Modifications a police car might undergo include adjustments for higher durability speed high mileage driving and long periods of idling at a higher temperature This is usually accomplished through installing heavy duty suspension brakes calibrated speedometer tires alternator transmission and cooling systems The car s stock engine may be modified or replaced by a more powerful engine from another vehicle from the manufacturer The car s electrical system may also be upgraded to accommodate for the additional electronic police equipment Warning systems Edit A Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau car at Tiananmen Square with emergency lights and several lighting devices installed on its roofPolice vehicles are often fitted with audible and visual warning systems to alert other motorists of their approach or position on the road In many countries use of the audible and visual warnings affords the officer a degree of exemption from road traffic laws such as the right to exceed speed limits or to treat red stop lights as a yield sign and may also suggest a duty on other motorists to yield for the police car and allow it to pass Warning systems on a police vehicle can be of two types passive or active Passive visual warnings Edit A Ford Police Interceptor Utility used by the St Thomas Police Service with a Battenburg marking design along the side of the vehicle for better visibilityPassive visual warnings are the livery markings on the vehicle Police vehicle markings usually make use of bright colors or strong contrast with the base color of the vehicle Some police cars have retroreflective markings that reflect light for better visibility at night though others may only have painted on or non reflective markings Examples of markings and designs used in police liveries include black and white Battenburg markings Sillitoe tartan and jam sandwich markings Police vehicle markings include at the very least the word police or a similar applicable phrase if the agency does not use that term such as sheriff gendarmerie state trooper public safety etc and the agency s name or jurisdiction such as national police or Chicago Police Also common are the agency s seal the jurisdiction s seal and a unit number Text is usually in the national language or local language though other languages may be used where appropriate such as in ethnic enclaves or areas with large numbers of tourists Unmarked vehicles generally lack passive visual warnings while ghost cars have markings that are visible only at certain angles such as from the rear or sides making them appear unmarked when viewed from the front 19 Another unofficial passive visual warning of police vehicles can simply be the vehicle s silhouette if its use as a police car is common such as that of the Ford Crown Victoria in North America or the presence of emergency vehicle equipment on the vehicle such as a pushbar or a roof mounted lightbar Active visual warnings Edit A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with its emergency lights activatedActive visual warnings are the emergency lights on the vehicle These lights are used while responding to attract the attention of other road users and coerce them into yielding for the police car to pass The colors used by police car lights depend on the jurisdiction though they are commonly blue and red Several types of flashing lights are used such as rotating beacons halogen lamps or LED strobes Some agencies use arrow sticks to direct traffic or message display boards to provide short messages or instructions to motorists The headlights and tail lights of some vehicles can be made to flash or small strobe lights can be fitted in the vehicle lights Audible warnings Edit source source source source source source source source source source source source A Toronto Police Service Ford Police Interceptor Sedan using its emergency lights and sirens through traffic and an intersectionAudible warnings are the sirens on the vehicle These sirens alert road users to the presence of an emergency vehicle before they can be seen to warn of their approach The first audible warnings were mechanical bells mounted to either the front or roof of the car A later development was the rotating air siren which makes noise when air moves past it Most modern police vehicles use electronic sirens which can produce a range of different noises Different models and manufacturers have distinct siren noises one siren model the Rumbler emits a low frequency sound that can be felt through vibrations allowing those who would not otherwise hear the siren or see the emergency vehicle to still know it is approaching 34 Different siren noises may be used depending on traffic conditions and the context For example on a clear road wail a long up and down unbroken tone is often used whereas in heavy slow traffic or at intersections yelp essentially a sped up wail may be preferred Other noises are used in certain countries and jurisdictions such as phaser a series of brief sped up beeps and hi lo a two tone up down sound Some vehicles may also be fitted with electronic airhorns Police specific equipment Edit A wide range of equipment is carried in police cars used to make police work easier or safer The installation of this equipment in a police car partially transforms it into a desk Police officers use their car to fill out different forms print documents type on a computer or a console and examine different screens all while driving Ergonomics in layout and installation of these items in the police car plays an important role in the comfort and safety of the police officers at work and preventing injuries such as back pain and musculoskeletal disorders 35 36 37 38 Communication devices Edit Police radio systems are generally standard equipment in police cars used to communicate between the officers assigned to the car and the dispatcher Mobile data terminals are also common as alternative ways to communicate with the dispatcher or receive important information and are typically a tablet or a dashboard mounted laptop installed in the car Suspect transport enclosure Edit A separate compartment at the rear of a police van used to carry suspects A barrier separating the rear and front seats of a police car also known as a partition Suspect transport enclosures are typically located at the rear of the vehicle taking up the rear seats or rear compartment The seats are sometimes modified to be a hard metal or plastic bench Separating the transport enclosure is often a partition a barrier between the front and rear compartments typically made of metal with a window made of reinforced glass clear plastic or metal mesh or bars Some police cars do not have partitions in these instances another officer may have to sit in the rear to secure the detainee or a dedicated transport vehicle may be called Weapon storage Edit Weapons may be stored in the trunk or front compartment of the vehicle In countries where police officers are already armed with handguns long guns such as rifles or shotguns may be kept on a gun rack in the front or in the trunk alongside ammunition In countries where police are not armed or do not keep their guns on them handguns may be kept in the car instead for example Norwegian Police Service officers are issued handguns but they keep them in a locked compartment in their car that requires high ranking authorization to access 39 Less lethal weaponry and riot gear may also be stored in the trunk Rescue equipment Edit Rescue equipment such as first aid kits dressing fire extinguishers defibrillators and naloxone kits are often kept in police cars to provide first aid and rescue when necessary Scene equipment Edit Tools such as barricade tape traffic cones traffic barricades and road flares are often kept in police cars to secure scenes for further investigation Recording equipment Edit Recording equipment such as dashcams and interior cameras are installed in some police cars to make audio and video recordings of incidents police interactions and evidence Detectors Edit Automatic number plate recognition cameras fitted on a police carDetector devices such as radar speed guns automatic number plate recognition and LoJack are used in some police cars typically in traffic enforcement to detect speeding violations read multiple plates for flags such as warrants or lack of insurance without having to manually check and track stolen cars respectively Pushbar Edit A Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with light damage after performing a PIT maneuver The pushbar on the vehicle protected it from worse damage Pushbars also known as bullbars rambars or nudge bars are fitted to the chassis of a police car to augment the front bumper They allow the car to push disabled vehicles out of a roadway breach small and light objects and conduct PIT maneuvers with less damage to the front of the vehicle Pushbar designs vary some are small and only protect the grille while others have extensions that shield as far as the headlights Some pushbars also have emergency lights installed on them providing additional visual warnings Spotlights Edit Spotlights are small searchlights typically installed on the A pillar of a police car They are used to provide light in darkened areas or where necessary such as down alleyways or into a suspect s car during a nighttime traffic stop These spotlights can be aimed and activated by the officers inside the vehicle Usually one or two are installed on the car though more may occasionally be installed on the roof grille bumper or pushbar Run lock Edit Run locks allow the vehicle s engine to be left running without the keys being in the ignition This allows adequate power to be supplied to the vehicle s equipment at the scene of an incident without battery drain The vehicle can only be driven after inserting the keys if the keys are not inserted the engine will switch off if the handbrake is disengaged or the footbrake is activated 40 Ballistic protection Edit Some police cars can be optionally upgraded with bullet resistant armor in the car doors 41 The armor is typically made from ceramic ballistic plates and aramid baffles A 2016 news report said that Ford sells 5 to 10 percent of their American police vehicles with ballistic protection in the doors In 2017 New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all NYPD patrol cars would have bullet resistant door panels and bullet resistant window inserts installed 42 43 Use by country EditPolice vehicles in Armenia Police vehicles in Australia Police vehicles in Austria Police vehicles in Belgium Police vehicles in China Police vehicles in the Czech Republic Police vehicles in Denmark Police vehicles in France Police vehicles in Germany Police vehicles in Greece Police vehicles in Hong Kong Police vehicles in Hungary Police vehicles in Iceland Police vehicles in India Police vehicles in Indonesia Police vehicles in Italy Police vehicles in Japan Police vehicles in Malaysia Police vehicles in the Netherlands Police vehicles in New Zealand Police vehicles in The Philippines Police vehicles in Poland Police vehicles in Romania Police vehicles in Russia Police vehicles in South Africa Police vehicles in Sweden Police vehicles in Taiwan Police vehicles in Turkey Police vehicles in Ukraine Police vehicles in the United Kingdom Police vehicles in the United States and Canada Police vehicles in Vietnam Police vehicles in South KoreaSee also EditGeneral Edit Battenburg markings Emergency vehicle Police transportation Mounted police Use of UAVs in law enforcement Other types of emergency vehicles Edit Ambulance D A R E car Fire chief s vehicle Fire motorcycle Fire truck Jam sandwich police car Military police vehicle Panda car British police forces Police aircraft Police bicycle Police bus Police motorcycle Police van Police watercraft SWAT vehicleReferences Edit Akron amp Summit County History Police Archived 2008 05 06 at the Wayback Machine akronhistory org The Police Wagon Akron Beacon Journal 1999 06 20 Public Safety amp Next Generation Communications Motorola Solutions Blog Spillman com Retrieved 2022 08 30 Andrews Tom 2020 The Greatest Policeman A Biography of Capt Athelstan Popkess CBE OStJ Chief Constable of Nottingham City Police 1930 1959 Blue Lamp Books ISBN 978 1911273899 Popkess Capt Athelstan 1 January 1933 Pursuit by Wireless The Value of Mobility The Police Journal Theory Practice and Principles 6 1 Critchley TA 1967 A History of Police in England and Wales Constable and Company Sampson Fraser 2006 Blackstone s Police Manual Volume 4 General Police Duties Oxford University Press ISBN 0 19 928522 5 Goh J May 2006 SPF s new fleet hits the road Police Life Monthly 32 New police car is first in the UK Wiltshire Police Archived from the original on 2007 09 27 Retrieved 2007 07 29 Met Police Driving Courses Explanation Metropolitan Police Archived from the original on September 27 2007 Retrieved 2007 07 29 Unmarked Road Policing Vehicles Sussex Police Archived from the original on 2007 09 28 Retrieved 2007 07 29 Unmarked police cars in Japan use Transformer style trick when they pull someone over Japan Today Retrieved 2022 12 10 151 Using State License Plates on Official Government Vehicles www justice gov 2015 02 19 Retrieved 2020 06 22 Cesari Henry 2022 01 29 How to Spot Unmarked Police Cars With Pictures MotorBiscuit Retrieved 2022 12 09 Freind Christopher 2012 05 21 Unmarked Police Cars Lead to Dangers for Citizens The Philly Post Philadelphia Magazine Retrieved 2022 09 27 Fake police car pulls driver over on M20 at Folkestone Kent Online 24 February 2017 Retrieved 20 October 2017 a b Police offer tips on what to do if you are pulled over by an unmarked car News 5 Cleveland February 17 2013 Archived from the original on May 5 2017 Retrieved October 20 2017 SAMotor Stopped by the cops your rights RAA August 19 2017 Archived from the original on 2017 08 19 a b Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study PDF p 24 Retrieved 25 January 2014 For law enforcement vehicles retroreflective material can be concentrated on the sides and rear to maintain stealth when facing traffic or patrolling Ghost Police Cars Are Becoming More Popular GetJerry com getjerry com Retrieved 2022 09 26 Day Lewin 2021 06 10 Texas Police Are Now Using Ghost Camaros to Patrol the Highways The Drive Retrieved 2022 09 26 NSW Police Marine Command adds RAM 1500 to rescue fleet Exhaust Notes 23 March 2020 Retrieved 7 April 2020 Showers David 10 March 2020 City board OKs new vehicles for police department The Sentinel Record Retrieved 7 April 2020 Old South African K9 unit police cars are marked dog unit Africa Check 2019 06 11 Retrieved 2022 11 18 Surrey Police Dog Unit Archived from the original on 2007 09 29 Mulderrig Amie 26 July 2012 Police van parked in Tesco Express petrol station forecourt Watford Observer Retrieved 7 May 2023 Recycled police van deters the thieves The Northern Echo 3 October 2005 Retrieved 7 May 2023 Bill Tracking 2005 session gt Legislation Leg1 state va us 2005 01 12 Retrieved 2009 06 09 Iraqi Police Service Gets Technical Vehicles U S Department of Defense Defendamerica mil Archived from the original on 2014 01 05 Retrieved 2011 07 06 Cailler Adam 2022 03 15 Ukrainian cops gifted BMW 6 Series decked out with flag and machine gun turret Mirror Retrieved 2022 12 10 Car dealer and fun park boost for police Archived from the original on 2007 09 27 Retrieved 2007 07 29 Jazzy new patrol cars for Surrey police Car Pages Retrieved 2007 07 29 fr Modification of a Charger 2012 from the Surete du Quebec Quebec Provincial Police YouTube Youtube com 2012 07 26 Retrieved 2012 08 19 Kaminer Ariel 2011 02 26 The New Police Siren You ll Feel It Coming The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved 2022 12 10 COTE Marie Michelle et al 1991 Patrol Car Passenger Compartment Design and the Prevention of Low Back Pain Archived 2013 09 17 at the Wayback MachineReport R 049 IRSST Montreal 109 pages DUFORD Marie Claude 2010 Amenagement de l habitacle de vehicule de patrouille Analyse ergonomique et elaboration d outils et de recommandations pour prevenir les troubles musculo squelettiques et ameliorer le confort et l efficacite des patrouilleurs UQAM Montreal 209 p VINCENT Patrick et Esther THIBAULT 2012 Reussir l amenagement de votre vehicule de patrouille l importance de l ergonomie Efficacite Securite Confort Archived 2013 06 22 at the Wayback Machine APSAM APSSAP Vincent Ergonomie Congres de l Association quebecoise pour l hygiene la sante et la securite du travail VINCENT Patrick et Esther THIBAULT 2013 L amenagement du vehicule de patrouille sous la loupe de l ergonomie APSAM APSSAP 36 p 6 7 2 Politiets bevaepningsadgang Politiets rolle og oppgaver in Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police 24 June 2005 Archived from the original on 18 August 2012 Retrieved 17 August 2012 Hampshire Police Open Day BMW X5 Runlock System Explained YouTube 2007 06 02 Retrieved 2009 06 09 Local law enforcement leaders don t see need for bulletproof patrol car doors Argus Leader USA Today 10 March 2016 Gonen Yoav 2017 01 23 NYPD to install bulletproof windows in all patrol cars Retrieved 2023 02 07 NYPD to install bullet resistant windows in all patrol cars Police1 Retrieved 2023 02 07 External links Edit Media related to Police automobiles at Wikimedia Commons Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Police car amp oldid 1162887500, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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