Patrol vehicles, what do you get to drive?

[Echos13]

The other night, I stopped off at a local 7-11 in the zone I was working. When I pulled in the parking lot, I observed a Wackenhut Officer in a Dodge Nitro. Pretty sharp looking vehicle. I did not see any lights or other electronic equipmemt on or in the vehicle.

Be Safe,

Hank

They are just starting to be issued. Talk has it they are looking into the low profile LEDS. Most have (had) the Streethawk or the Arodynic. Personally I would prefer a raise and an office. :rolleyes:

[Charger]

They are just starting to be issued. Talk has it they are looking into the low profile LEDS. Most have (had) the Streethawk or the Arodynic. Personally I would prefer a raise and an office. :rolleyes:

I would agree with you there. As much of a die-hard Mopar man as I am, I've heard almost nothing but bad things about the Nitros...

And SecurityAussieStyle, do my eyes deceive me, or do I see another security agency using Hyundais?! :eek: Apparently my boss isn't alone in his flights of fancy... Course, we're using sedans & SUVs, not the little hatchbacks, but still... :D

[Hank1]

They are just starting to be issued. Talk has it they are looking into the low profile LEDS. Most have (had) the Streethawk or the Arodynic. Personally I would prefer a raise and an office. :rolleyes:

The raise I'll take..You can have the office though! LOL!

Be Safe,

Hank

[Echos13]

The raise I'll take..You can have the office though! LOL!

Be Safe,

Hank

Yea. I guess. But after a while. Those bills to buy repellent, anti-sting, alcohol, neosporan for other insect bites, (heating pad for you back after sitting in that damn chair), peroxide, bug lanterns and fly swatters gets old. Not to mention a space heater, extension cords, rain gear, padding for a shaky lawn chair, shelfing sets, new casters for the podium, using you own POV (gas, oil, insurance liability, etc.) a large piece of paneling for wind protection gets expensive. The pay is OK for what it is at the moment. Sure I could use a raise. But at the moment an office or shack like place sure would help.

[8901]

2007 Dodge Charger, unmarked but with all the bells & whistles (not shared - take home car). Also use Jeep Cherokees for rougher/construction areas where more ground clearance is needed (Chargers dont look good wearing mud). Will try to get a better photo of it or one of the marked units.
:cool: GREAT car, great agency, great image :cool:

[Saber1000]

I will post a photo of me and my car soon.

Currently, my pathetic company has a few Ford Focuses (one of them being mine), Chevrolet Cavaliers (2003, not th enicer new ones), a Kia Rio that they feel they can keep fixing each week when it dies, and three Toyota Echos. Yes, Echos.

Our fancy contracts get Subaru Forresters.

I thought I had it bad we have a Nissan Sentra;)

[Crimkeeper1]

We have 1 2008 CVPI fully marked (with amber lightbar ??????????)
1 1997 CVPI fully marked (with red and blue lightbar)
1 1992 CVPI unmarked
2 1990 Ex - US AIR FORCE 15 pass. dodge vans
and 1 1980 Ex - US AIR FORCE school bus

[Alaska Security]

Here's another patrol rig, depending on the situation :)

http://www.skynet-mk2.com/photos/work/transposanitized.JPG

[davis002]

Does everyone in Alaska lack facial features :p

[Alaska Security]

What can I say, I always win staredowns?

[Crimkeeper1]

We sure could've used one of those when I used to work in New England during the winters...

[OccamsRazor]

You need one of those Tundra-friendly Rollagon things we had in Barrow and Nuiqsut.

[SpecialAgentKC]

2007 CHEVY Colorado or 2005 FORD Explorer...both fully marked. --K.

[SecTrainer]

Well, the fuel economics are starting to hit home as it occurs to company owners that they're throwing their profits down the drain with the guzzlers.

I saw a black patrol Prius hybrid last week, 2008, very tricked out with sharp gold markings/lettering that professional (not gaudy). Didn't have a top light bar but it had strobe LEDs, a visor bar on the passenger side and a traffic director (and spots, of course). Computer terminal and two radios. Oh, and the stereo rocked, too! :D I forgot to ask what gear he was carrying in back; it was in a fitted trunk with the red cross symbol, so I assumed medical. I could see a fire extinguisher mounted on the left side.

The officer (who also wore a sharp uniform and carried not top-of-the-line but professional gear) told me it was a hoot to drive, much more agile than the CVPI he had been driving, and he was getting a lot of positive comments about it. It's the first the company has purchased so far and everyone fights to drive it.

My thought was: "Smart patrol company!" - because more and more companies want to do business with other companies that are "green" and "have low carbon footprints". So, they're getting great PR AND great mileage out of that Prius. One way or another, the US will have to go the way of European and other countries that have been paying way-high gas prices.

As the article below outlines, NY has been using Ford Escape hybrids as taxis for some time - a tough test to be sure...and now police departments are following their lead (http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70.html).

http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70_pic2.jpg
They obviously have to do something, with CVPI's averaging 6 mph on patrol and Chargers just over 8, which is insanity in motion while a hybrid uses no gas at all while stopped or running below 25 mph, averaging 20-25 mph ON PATROL for this PD. Oh...and it's also stealthy, with no engine noise when you're on approach to a crime in progress. All that, and you save $10,000 in fuel costs per car per year? I'll take those savings as profits, thank you, and let another security company pay for an oil baron's yacht. The notion we gotta drive CVs and Suburbans is nothing but stinkin' thinkin'. It's questionable business management, to say nothing of being irresponsible to the environment.

You can believe that every major PD in the country is looking into this issue and some are already making moves in this direction. So, while PDs cast off their guzzlers over the next 5-10 years as gas goes above $4 or maybe $5/gallon, who's going to be right there to snatch them up? Why, the security companies that most need to be concerned with preserving profits, of course!

What's wrong with this picture?

[Minneapolis Security]

Well, the fuel economics are starting to hit home as it occurs to company owners that they're throwing their profits down the drain with the guzzlers.

I saw a black patrol Prius hybrid last week, 2008, very tricked out with sharp gold markings/lettering that professional (not gaudy). Didn't have a top light bar but it had strobe LEDs, a visor bar on the passenger side and a traffic director (and spots, of course). Computer terminal and two radios. Oh, and the stereo rocked, too! :D I forgot to ask what gear he was carrying in back; it was in a fitted trunk with the red cross symbol, so I assumed medical. I could see a fire extinguisher mounted on the left side.

The officer (who also wore a sharp uniform and carried not top-of-the-line but professional gear) told me it was a hoot to drive, much more agile than the CVPI he had been driving, and he was getting a lot of positive comments about it. It's the first the company has purchased so far and everyone fights to drive it.

My thought was: "Smart patrol company!" - because more and more companies want to do business with other companies that are "green" and "have low carbon footprints". So, they're getting great PR AND great mileage out of that Prius. One way or another, the US will have to go the way of European and other countries that have been paying way-high gas prices.

As the article below outlines, NY has been using Ford Escape hybrids as taxis for some time - a tough test to be sure...and now police departments are following their lead (http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70.html).

http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70_pic2.jpg
They obviously have to do something, with CVPI's averaging 6 mph on patrol and Chargers just over 8, which is insanity in motion while a hybrid uses no gas at all while stopped or running below 25 mph, averaging 20-25 mph ON PATROL for this PD. Oh...and it's also stealthy, with no engine noise when you're on approach to a crime in progress. All that, and you save $10,000 in fuel costs per car per year? I'll take those savings as profits, thank you, and let another security company pay for an oil baron's yacht. The notion we gotta drive CVs and Suburbans is nothing but stinkin' thinkin'. It's questionable business management, to say nothing of being irresponsible to the environment.

You can believe that every major PD in the country is looking into this issue and some are already making moves in this direction. So, while PDs cast off their guzzlers over the next 5-10 years as gas goes above $4 or maybe $5/gallon, who's going to be right there to snatch them up? Why, the security companies that most need to be concerned with preserving profits, of course!

What's wrong with this picture?


All the fuzzy math, and BS numbers you pulled out of thin air. And it's MPG not MPH. They are not interchangeable terms.

There is no way to save $10,000 in fuel cost, per vehicle, per year.

I will explain. A CVPI gets 14/21 mpg (https://www.fleet.ford.com/downloads/brochures/2008/08PoliceIntercep.pdf) not 6 mpg. Even if we assume the worst (14 mpg) with an average of 25,000 miles per year, the CVPI will burn 1786 gallons of fuel per year. At an average cost per gallon of $3.00, the annual fuel cost is $5358.00. How can you save $10,000 from $5358.00?? I'll answer for you, you can't.

Does it cost more than a Prius hybrid to operate? Of course. But lets use real figures to make an argument.

The escape hybrid vs. the CVPI brings the fuel cost difference down to a negligible level.

It's real clear that you don't like real cars like the CVPI or the time tested Chevy Suburban. They certainly do a job that no Prius could ever handle.

It's apples and oranges comparing the two.

[SecTrainer]

All the fuzzy math, and BS numbers you pulled out of thin air. And it's MPG not MPH. They are not interchangeable terms.

There is no way to save $10,000 in fuel cost, per vehicle, per year.

I will explain. A CVPI gets 14/21 mpg (https://www.fleet.ford.com/downloads/brochures/2008/08PoliceIntercep.pdf) not 6 mpg. Even if we assume the worst (14 mpg) with an average of 25,000 miles per year, the CVPI will burn 1786 gallons of fuel per year. At an average cost per gallon of $3.00, the annual fuel cost is $5358.00. How can you save $10,000 from $5358.00?? I'll answer for you, you can't.

Does it cost more than a Prius hybrid to operate? Of course. But lets use real figures to make an argument.

The escape hybrid vs. the CVPI brings the fuel cost difference down to a negligible level.

It's real clear that you don't like real cars like the CVPI or the time tested Chevy Suburban. They certainly do a job that no Prius could ever handle.

It's apples and oranges comparing the two.

You obviously did not read the article I referenced. The numbers were not "pulled out of thin air" - they came from the police department that tracked them, and I have tracked the mileages of four separate security agencies myself, although it was a year ago. My numbers were a little better at 10 mpg. but security patrol is different from police patrol in a couple of important ways.

I'm sorry, Bud, but I'll take my numbers over yours every day of the week. And, I'll take Mayor Bloomberg's business smarts over yours OR mine any day - that city is now under mandates to go "green" for both limos and taxis by 2012, with the city vehicles on a track slightly behind that. As of October, 2007 NYPD already had a number of hybrids and flex-fuel vehicles on the road, and I believe they're also testing Vectrix electric scooters (which fortunately are pretty cool-looking as well as efficient). They have a 3-wheeler also.

http://www.vectrix.com/Modules/InTheNewsSlide/Images//video_image.jpg

Oh, and by the way, it's a formal logical error to plug YOUR erroneous numbers of 14 mpg and $3/gal (??!! - I think we've busted through that number with one station in California spotted selling gas last weekend for over $5/gal!!) into another set of figures and then criticize the final number that was based on THEIR assumptions. Try to avoid this in future.

That's all right, though, think what you want and drive whatever you want to drive. I don't sell cars, you know - hybrid or otherwise. What I do know is that two of the four companies we consulted with made changes, although we didn't recommend hybrids at the time for several reasons, and they're more profitable. One of them landed a large client for the specific reason that their operation is "green" and the company's policy is to contract only with such vendors (you see more and more of this, incidentally).

Two others haven't switched yet, (their fleets were newer) and today they are less profitable. However, I met with one of them just last week, and they're looking for a deal on their first hybrid (a little late - they won't get one now!), and an electric for one large industrial campus they patrol. If you can figure out why, you just got some expensive consulting for free.

Cars like the CV, the Charger and the Suburban are absolute dinosaurs, period, end of song. And, they'll meet the same fate as gas prices rise and agency administrators/owners wise up...if they don't wise up too late and end up being stuck with them. If not...well, the Reality Express is gonna run over them like a drunk lying on the tracks.

Your arguments remind me of Detroit thinking in the 1970s, and we know what happened there. But, let's table this discussion for 5-10 years and have another chat then, okay?

Meanwhile, it's comforting to know that the smart business owners will have someone who will take their scrap iron off their hands. I guess indirectly you'll still be helping the switchover.

[Minneapolis Security]

Lots of us on this board drive Crown Vics, is anyone getting 6 MPG? That would give this car a range of 114 miles. I routinely go 350 miles on a tank.

Something isn't right with these (http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70.html) numbers. I smell an environmental loony pushing an agenda.

I get over 14 MPG with my Suburban. And it doesn't do nearly as well as my CVPI.

[davis002]

Lots of us on this board drive Crown Vics, is anyone getting 6 MPG? That would give this car a range of 114 miles. I routinely go 350 miles on a tank.

Something isn't right with these (http://www.njslom.org/magart_0208_pg70.html) numbers. I smell an environmental loony pushing an agenda.

I get over 14 MPG with my Suburban. And it doesn't do nearly as well as my CVPI.

I really don't want to get in the middle of this, but I average 12-15mpg. That is including hours of idling. With little idling, I get close to 18-20.

[BadBoynMD]

I'm getting about 300-320 miles per tank.

[Alaska Security]

Umm, 250/300 miles a tank including idling nonstop in -40 weather

I don't see many hybrids functioning well in the "real" winter. In fact, they test them up here, and some of the guys have had to do public assists while on patrol when these guys got stranded while testing in the middle of nowhere with no arctic gear in a snowstorm...

For the size of the vehicle, the Chevys and GMC's we drive are the most economical anyway. 18/20 mpg according to my hand calculated from my POV, since they're large enough that they don't require EPA stats.

[SecTrainer]

Umm, 250/300 miles a tank including idling nonstop in -40 weather

I don't see many hybrids functioning well in the "real" winter. In fact, they test them up here, and some of the guys have had to do public assists while on patrol when these guys got stranded while testing in the middle of nowhere with no arctic gear in a snowstorm...

For the size of the vehicle, the Chevys and GMC's we drive are the most economical anyway. 18/20 mpg according to my hand calculated from my POV, since they're large enough that they don't require EPA stats.

Oh, come on, boys...these numbers are bogus unless you're "patrolling" on the highway, whether you intend them to be or not. I've owned too many cars. And "miles per tank" adds nothing to this debate if we just have to look up fuel capacity of the tank and try to figure out mileage.

Take a look at the GMC Yukon Denali AWD mileage, not only the ratings as reported by gov't and company, but by owners who are only doing "ordinary driving":

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008seleeng1f.jsp?year=2007&make=GMC&model=Yukon Denali 1500 AWD

And these are based on a 45-55% mix of city-highway, which is hardly patrol driving. You can click on a link to customize this mix, although there's no way for you to make allowance for the added idling time.

No way you come close to those numbers on patrol, where you're going to get two-thirds the rated mileage at best. GMC and others would love to suggest the mileage you think you're getting, but they can't because it isn't reality (of course, their sticker numbers aren't either, as a rule).

The Crown Vic - ordinary driving, not idling on patrol, remember, shows 15 city, 23 highway and 18 combined with owner reporting 11.3. Patrol, you're going to get two-thirds the ratings numbers as a rule, best case. (Which jives with my research showing 10).

...and now, shall we talk about the tax credit of up to $4000 per vehicle for going with hybrids?

As for cold weather, I checked and found that the Prius, for instance, seems to be doing just fine in Minnesota. Cold weather does cut the efficiency of all vehicles - the Prius dropping from the 40s into the mid-30s, for instance.

I'll just close down my end of this discussion this way because people are acting like I'm trying to take their girlfriends away from them or something, and not thinking straight, or like I made up the problem just for fun.

Here's the straight skinny:

1. Gas prices are going up and that's not going to change.

2. As this happens, companies that operate fleets of vehicles will break out into two types: Those that see the handwriting on the wall and those that don't.

3. In skinny-margin industries such as security, especially, running a fleet of fuel-inefficient vehicles will not make good business sense...if it makes sense even now, which I do not believe it does. The research that large taxi companies and other commercial fleet owners have commissioned, and which you might just as well understand was performed by automotive experts, has shown this repeatedly.

4. There is no other compelling reason to drive inefficient vehicles that justifies the additional operating costs except certain highly specific circumstances, few if any of which apply to most security patrol companies in the continental US.

5. Well within our lifetimes, we will see large-scale changeovers among all commercial fleet owners to reflect realities #1-4. As that happens, and as the public also switches over, the resale value of efficient vehicles will rise or hold steady, even as owners are allowed to depreciate them on their books, just as you can depreciate a building even though its market value is actually rising. This will amount to hidden added equity, over and above the "lost" profits captured by the fuel efficiency.

Meanwhile the inefficient vehicles will depreciate in the market even more rapidly than they do now. (This phenomenon was clearly seen during the fuel crisis of the 1970s.) Since you can't depreciate equipment based on a sinking market value, you will not be able to expense out this loss of asset value. The best you can do is show a loss when the asset is finally dumped.

6. Government tax rebates/subsidies/allowances can be predicted to rise from the current maximum of $4000 as it becomes more urgent to encourage people and companies to purchase efficient vehicles. There may even be a tax surcharge imposed on the least efficient vehicles.

7. The technology will improve further, and the efficiency gap will widen between the "alternative" vehicles and the Detroit scrap iron. Or, Detroit will stop producing it altogether.

8. More and more potential clients are and will be developing vendor "green" standards and simply will not do business with vendors that exhibit indifference to fuel/energy consumption, carbon footprint and other aspects of their operations.

9. The time to recognize socioeconomic tsunamis such as the one that is already underway in this aspect of business operations is before the biggest wave hits, not when everyone else is being swept back to sea along with you. That the tsunami is already beginning is clear from professional publications like "Business Fleet" magazine, where a survey of 475 commercial fleet owners showed fuel efficiency topping their list of concerns:

"Of the surveyed commercial fleets, the overwhelming majority voiced comments similar to those by Charles Stevenson, CAFM, manager of fleet operations for Aqua Pennsylvania in Springfield, Pa. “The biggest change to our fleet for 2008 is adding more vehicles with better mpg,” said Stevenson.

Another fleet looking to make the same change to its selector is USG. “We are changing the selector to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Maria Williams, fleet operations supervisor for USG in Chicago. Another company making similar deliberations is Henkel Corp.

“We will be making changes in our 2008 buy to include new models that provide improved fuel economy,” said Vinnie Fugaro, purchasing agent for Henkel Corp. in Rocky Hill, Conn.

One fleet manager after another responding to the survey cited increased scrutiny given to more fuel-efficient vehicles to their 2008 selectors. Another example is Bausch & Lomb. “My strategy is to deploy additional fuel economy-type models, such as hybrids and smaller, more fuel-efficient sedans,” said Mark Dennis, fleet operations specialist for Bausch & Lomb in Rochester, N.Y. The sentiments of responding commercial fleet managers were best summarized by Debbie Mize, fleet/relocations manager for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Mo. “Fuel economy is playing an even larger role than normal,” said Mize. “Fuel has always been important, but even more so now that prices are so high.”

Some of these fleets are trucks, some are cars--it doesn't make any difference. Fuel economy is already dominating the landscape and smart companies will not throw their profits down the gasoline fill tube. I know many of us have little or no business management education or background, but you don't have to be Donald Trump to figure this one out. (The easiest way to increase profits in any company is to cut unnecessary expenses, and those extra profits are "free" because you already paid for them so you have no marginal cost on those extra dollars.)

As for what you care to drive, it doesn't matter to me! Drive whatever blows your skirt up. I wish it were still 1965 and I was filling up my cherry-red 57 Chevy's tank for $5.00 too. Back then, we put miles on cars like the gas was free. (And no, I wasn't smart enough to keep that car! Worse, I later bought a 68 Firebird 400 convertible w/4-speed Muncie, red w/black top that I changed over to white, and I didn't keep that, either. If only....)

[N. A. Corbier]

Fleets of the future won't be driving Prius-es or Escapes. What they will be driving is CVPI, Impala, Expedition, and Tahoe Hybrids. Chevy is already coming out with Tahoe and Impala hybrids, to complement the FlexFuel models.

The fleet manufacturers have already noticed. The Prius is an example of a vehicle for people who have to justify buying a vehicle to their friends because they can't go everywhere on BART or a bike.

The Escape Hybrid seems to be marketed towards young urban professionals who don't have to justify to their friends that they own a Bu****ler Oil Dependency Device, at least.

But, look over at Chevy. Impala Hybrids and Tahoe Hybrids are in the pipe, as noted here. Who drives Impalas and Tahoes? What does a lot of add-on equipment fit? You can't find a cage for a Ford Escape Hybrid, but I bet you that you will be able to find one for a Tahoe hybrid.

I fully expect some form of Marauder Platform hybrid simply to keep up with the SEO version Chevy Hybrids.

[HotelSecurity]

Umm, 250/300 miles a tank including idling nonstop in -40 weather

I don't see many hybrids functioning well in the "real" winter. In fact, they test them up here, and some of the guys have had to do public assists while on patrol when these guys got stranded while testing in the middle of nowhere with no arctic gear in a snowstorm...

For the size of the vehicle, the Chevys and GMC's we drive are the most economical anyway. 18/20 mpg according to my hand calculated from my POV, since they're large enough that they don't require EPA stats.

Our transit security in Montreal just started using these: www.policecanada.policecanada.org/Transit/STM008
and we get real winters here. (35cm of snow last night).

[Alaska Security]

I patrol 250-300 miles a night when I am on patrol.

The truck is idling while I am stationary. For the entire 12 hours I am on duty, the truck is on.

I don't even nudge half-tank, and I fill the truck at the start of the shift.

Your mileage may vary, but Diesel's are more economical. Why's a VW jetta with a diesel get 50 MPG?

Why's a 6.6 liter diesel truck get 18 city and 20 highway when it's 6 liter counterpart gets maybe 16 highway, and its 14-10 mpg for it's 8.1 liter counterpart, both of which are gas?

600 miles to a 32 gallon tank is around 18.5 MPG. That makes sense considering the amount of idling that is done. I get 22 highway with my truck which is the same thing, just a shortbed instead of a longbed crewcab diesel. So I can account to these numbers.

Now, let's look at hybrids, shall we?

Hybrids use a battery. On average, at 0 celsius these batteries are at 75% of their normal capacity, and capability of charging. The lower you go the worse it gets. Hit -40 celsius and it's DEAD. That means that wonderful fuel economy you are expecting aint going to work.

I see VERY FEW hybrids up here. Every hybrid I see never has snow on it. Know what this tells me? In order for a hybrid to have a chance to function in any low temperature environment, it requires garaging. As security, you don't always have that option.

Not to mention the fact that just to keep the passenger compartment warm the engine is going to have to run all the time because it will either need it for coolant circulation, or to power up the frozen batteries because it's got an electric heater.

Throw in the service life of a hybrid on top of that versus the service life of one of our patrol trucks...

And for grins, I'd LOVE to see you follow me in my area of responsibility in a hybrid. Hope you have a shovel in that thing because you're going to be a digging fool :)

[Charlie Fox]

Our Patrol Division drives CVPI's that have outlived thier usefulness in the public sector. Normally ours have between 90-110,000 miles when we get them, and a list of repairs to be done. Front ends are ALWAYS bad. We're building the business case to Corporate to buy us some brand new fleet Impalas or Colorados (yeah, we're not holding our breath either:rolleyes: )

[Echos13]

Come the 31st we loose all our rides. Foot patrol for all! :eek:

[Miami-Dade]

Fleets of the future won't be driving Prius-es or Escapes. What they will be driving is CVPI, Impala, Expedition, and Tahoe Hybrids. Chevy is already coming out with Tahoe and Impala hybrids, to complement the FlexFuel models.


This is the first time I heard of the Impala coming out with a hybrid.I must have been sleeping under a rock.I wish Ford would come out with one for the Crown Vic as the Crown Vic can really take a beating.Miami-Dade has several 95-97 Crown Vics still on patrol.

We put over 300k miles on ours and we get them from the police department with over 100k miles to start off with.But it looks like Ford wants to kill the line in or about 2012 from what I hear from Ford so guess that a hybrid Crown Vic isn't going to happen anytime soon.Hopefully Ford will come out with another type of Interceptor before they kill the Crown Vic and hopefully it will be a hybrid.

The hybrid Impala would be a great seller for sure.I would consider that for my own personnel car as well.I drove a Charger not long ago and between the blind spots and tiny windows I like the Impala better.Between the Impala and Charger I would rather have the Impala with the F.W.D though the Crown Vic is my first choice.Most of Miami uses the Impala for supervisors cars but use the CVPI for patrol work.

[Tennsix]

I've driven police package Crown Vic's, Impala's and Chargers. The Charger handles like a dream, neither of the other two can hold a candle to it. The windows take a little getting used to but it isn't a difficult transition.

[Charger]

I've driven police package Crown Vic's, Impala's and Chargers. The Charger handles like a dream, neither of the other two can hold a candle to it. The windows take a little getting used to but it isn't a difficult transition.

I'm still trying to convince our owner to get me a Charger... So far he isn't very open to the idea... :p 'course, I haven't shown him the mock-up of our decals on a pic of a Charger that I photoshopped the other day, either... I may just have to shoot it to him in an email... Heheheh

[grenadier]

The Very best Duty Ride I ever had was a 1973 Buick LeSabre. Big, Comfey, Extremely fast Handled good (heavy /super duty every thing) next best was an 85 Full sized GMC Jimmy. 350 ,4spd, 4bbl. carb, would do a c note in 4wd.
inbetween were a bunch of Chrysler K cars, which sucked in everey concievable way.

[Limo LA]

I'm curious if anybody use motorcycle on duty.

[gonzo1510]

I'm curious if anybody use motorcycle on duty.
I'm working on that at this time... I plan on using the Kawasaki Police bike outfitted with an Airhorn, Amber strobes in the front and Amber/Red in the rear..
I thought about LEDs but I think strobes do a better job of getting attention.
(I'm thinking of expanding into funeral escorts.)

Even if I don't expand,I'm still going to get on a motor...Let's face it, generally speaking private security in Southern California doesn't hook ,book and transport bodies. We call in the P.D. or Sheriff after we detain. It seems to me that a patrol officer can get to more locations on a bike in less time with less overhead costs than an officer in a tricked out Crown Vic or Chevy Impala sitting in So Cal traffic while gulping fuel at nearly $4.00 a gallon

Thoughts ?.......

[N. A. Corbier]

This means your patrol division needs to have employees with motorcycle endorsements.

Everyone knows how to drive a CVPI, or a Kia, or whatever. Not everyone knows how to ride a motorcycle.

If you're thinking fuel economy, go buy a tiny car or a hybrid or something. The motorcycles for patrol is going to limit your ability to hire patrol personnel.

[NRM_Oz]

I know of a small patrol company based 2 streets away from my house. They are using Yariz's due to size, running costs and ease for some people to driver (don't get me started there). With fuel still hovering around the $4.50 US a gallon, the need to save every dollar in patrol costs to remain competitive is something every patrol firm needs to remember and with the usually 200 - 300 miles a night (mileage is important).

1 firm I know of had motorbikes as there patrol cars and alarm response units and due to the number of staff without motorbike licences have reduced their fleet to a few units. Our police motorbikes were custom fitted to each rider so that mean the bike was only of use for 8 hours a day under the old roster - now they are used for highway patrol and ceremonial escorts.

[Limo LA]

Amber strobes in the front and Amber/Red in the rear..
I thought about LEDs but I think strobes do a better job of getting attention.

I think....
Amber strobe on side (lower Cowl, replace by taking reflector out) seems better.
Strobe on back might be too bright for any following vehicle. I go with LED on back.
If you need wiring diagram, I do have one.
Siren switch, Pursue switch (manufactured original) may tricky wiring.

Do you (your company) own Kawasaki already ?
If not yet, I know one shop who always have more than 20 Kawasaki KZ1000P ($2500 to $4000) and BMW R1100 & 1150RTP ($8000 up) from CHP and PDs.
Most of them are well maintained by PD and motor officers.



(I'm thinking of expanding into funeral escorts.)

Do you know what kind of license/permit need to do Funeral escort? (In CA)
if you do, please let me know.
(it's off topic of this thread, so if you know any regulation for escort, please e-mail me)
I'm thinking about expand for armed escort.
But it won't do anything with traffic control.
Executive protection service with multi car in LA area may lose primary in sight because LA's traffic.
if security follow primary's car with motor, security will never lose primary even heavy traffic.
(you can't fly over lanes or jump over car between primary and security, but Motorcycle can)



Even if I don't expand,I'm still going to get on a motor...Let's face it, generally speaking private security in Southern California doesn't hook ,book and transport bodies

I've seen a lot of pick up truck on gated residence and mall in LA, Beverly Hills, etc.
SUV maybe understand but I always wonder "Why pickup truck? are they transport something big ?".

I read one security patroling with Kawasaki in private community (Gated community) on Kawasaki 1000P website.

[N. A. Corbier]

Pick up trucks are used because they're "small" and therefore "fuel efficient."

[gonzo1510]

This means your patrol division needs to have employees with motorcycle endorsements....


True...that pretty much goes without saying..


I know of a small patrol company based 2 streets away from my house. They are using Yariz's due to size, running costs and ease for some people to driver (don't get me started there). With fuel still hovering around the $4.50 US a gallon, the need to save every dollar in patrol costs to remain competitive is something every patrol firm needs to remember and with the usually 200 - 300 miles a night (mileage is important).


I saw a company running around with the Toyota Prius all tricked out in the Downtown L.A. area.



Do you (your company) own Kawasaki already ?
If not yet, I know one shop who always have more than 20 Kawasaki KZ1000P ($2500 to $4000) and BMW R1100 & 1150RTP ($8000 up) from CHP and PDs.
Most of them are well maintained by PD and motor officers.

You talking about Hollywood Motors? Yeah, I plan on going through them or Burbank Kawasaki..



Do you know what kind of license/permit need to do Funeral escort? (In CA)
if you do, please let me know.
(it's off topic of this thread, so if you know any regulation for escort, please e-mail me)
I'm thinking about expand for armed escort.
But it won't do anything with traffic control.


For funeral escorts, there is no licensing requirement that I am aware of and most of the funeral guys I've spoken with are independent contractors...

For armed escort, then you need your PPO since you are providing a security service...

[Limo LA]

You talking about Hollywood Motors? Yeah, I plan on going through them or Burbank Kawasaki..

Hollywood Motors has more inventory than Burbank Kawasaki (for Used Police motor)
My CHP friend told me there is another police Bike shop in Long beach but I don't know where, it maybe for newer BMWs.
Once my Kawasaki get fuel stack in carburetor, then I took it to Mikuni Carburetor R&D division (I have friends there).
they (Manufacturer's R&D guys) are very impressed for bike was well taken care by former owner (PD).
you can tell Engine, Carb, Sprocket, etc were regularly overhauled and adjusted by just look at gasket and seals.
But there would be some cosmetic damage.
I think you should choose from large inventory shop like Hollywood motors than just one or two in stock shop.



For funeral escorts, there is no licensing requirement that I am aware of and most of the funeral guys I've spoken with are independent contractors...


I thought they need some kind of traffic control permit/license/certificate.
I kind of know Company (not escort him/her self) need permit form city.



For armed escort, then you need your PPO since you are providing a security service...

I'm PPO licensee with all weapon permits but I'm not making much money from my PPO license because I protect my Limo clients most of time.

[Mr. Chaple]

Pick up trucks are used because they're "small" and therefore "fuel efficient."

I have always been fond of 4X4 Pick-Ups, because the bed allows for easy transportation of traffic controls and four wheel drive is a life saver.


Even if I don't expand,I'm still going to get on a motor...Let's face it, generally speaking private security in Southern California doesn't hook ,book and transport bodies. We call in the P.D. or Sheriff after we detain. It seems to me that a patrol officer can get to more locations on a bike in less time with less overhead costs than an officer in a tricked out Crown Vic or Chevy Impala sitting in So Cal traffic while gulping fuel at nearly $4.00 a gallon

Thoughts ?.......

Motorcycles seem like a bad idea to me just because they offer no protection from the elements. Anyone that concerned about fuel ecconomy and access (bikes can go a lot of place that cars cannot) should probably get a Mule/Gator or a Tracker/Samuria. Then again the elements/terrain are probably not a major concern in SoCal. And I will admit that you will not get much call for funeral escorts in a Gator.

[sgtnewby]

I could have sworn, that I saw a black and white squad ( all black with white front doors, black back doors) driving code 3, crossing University Ave. exiting onto 35W north, with what looked like a big MPD badge decal on the door... It looked a lot like the new MN State Patrol cars, but it was black, not maroon. Have any of you other Minnesotans seen these?:confused:

[HotelSecurity]

I could have sworn, that I saw a black and white squad ( all black with white front doors, black back doors) driving code 3, crossing University Ave. exiting onto 35W north, with what looked like a big MPD badge decal on the door... It looked a lot like the new MN State Patrol cars, but it was black, not maroon. Have any of you other Minnesotans seen these?:confused:

I know that the Ontario Provinicial Police are going retro, back to black & white cars. They are also joining the rest of North America & are adding blue flashers to the cars. (Ontario was the only Canadian province that did not use red & blue, blue was for snow removal trucks).

[sgtnewby]

This is what their squads (MN State Patrol) looked like since the late 80's or early 90's;
http://www.mspta.com/wallpaper/side-lights-1024.JPG

Here's what the MN State Patrol has now changed back to;
http://www.mspta.com/wallpaper/images/2008-MSP-Squad-Design_1024x682.jpeg

Here's some older one's;
http://www.mspta.com/images040406/91frdBig.jpg

http://www.mspta.com/images040406/86CHEV_L.JPG

http://www.mspta.com/images040406/70minnhp.jpg

[N. A. Corbier]

Could it of been UofM police?

Also, while I'm not in Minneapolis anymore, I still get Twin Cities news. The new State Patrol vehicle color scheme looks weird as hell. Black bumpers?

[Minneapolis Security]

Could it of been UofM police?

Also, while I'm not in Minneapolis anymore, I still get Twin Cities news. The new State Patrol vehicle color scheme looks weird as hell. Black bumpers?


The black bumpers look even worse on the new color scheme. They just look little "odd" with the current scheme.

[sgtnewby]

Could it of been UofM police?

Also, while I'm not in Minneapolis anymore, I still get Twin Cities news. The new State Patrol vehicle color scheme looks weird as hell. Black bumpers?

No, UofM does have black and whites, but all of the doors are white, not just the front doors. They also have more then just a badge decal on the doors.

Not the greatest pic, but you can kinda see the squad...
http://www1.umn.edu/police/index.html

And, I've never understood the black bumper thing....

[N. A. Corbier]

The black bumper makes it look like an older CV.

[mjw064]

No, UofM does have black and whites, but all of the doors are white, not just the front doors. They also have more then just a badge decal on the doors.

Not the greatest pic, but you can kinda see the squad...
http://www1.umn.edu/police/index.html

And, I've never understood the black bumper thing....

U of M Police
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/coll239i.jpg

Minneapolis Airport Police
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/minnair41.jpg

[mjw064]

better yet. Crystal MN police (which Google Maps tells me is right by Minneapolis).

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/crystal1.jpg

[BadBoynMD]

Could it of been UofM police?

Also, while I'm not in Minneapolis anymore, I still get Twin Cities news. The new State Patrol vehicle color scheme looks weird as hell. Black bumpers?

There is a few departments out here that have black bumpers. Park Police had tan vic's with black bumpers. There is a department with almost navy blue vic with black bumpers, which doesn't look too bad.

[Curtis Baillie]

In my days....white top and doors and everything else black was pretty much the norm. Anyone remember the lime green cars Cleveland PD had?

[Echos13]

A lot of city agencies have been going to black and whites. But here in Polk County the Sheriff has taken over a 3rd of them so far. So it's white with the green and gold stripes. The state still has the coolest looking black with tan roll back. G4S-TWC, yuk! Nitros cool. Color plane.

[sgtnewby]

better yet. Crystal MN police (which Google Maps tells me is right by Minneapolis).

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/crystal1.jpg

It looked a lot like the Crystal PD squad, but the direction of travel would have made no sense what so ever. The one I saw was exiting to 35W north from University Avenue. Crystal PD, if they were leaving Minneapolis, from the jail for example, would have left downtown onto either I394 W or I94 W. Those interstates are on the other side of downtown. Good find on the pics though!

[davis002]

I could have sworn, that I saw a black and white squad ( all black with white front doors, black back doors) driving code 3, crossing University Ave. exiting onto 35W north, with what looked like a big MPD badge decal on the door... It looked a lot like the new MN State Patrol cars, but it was black, not maroon. Have any of you other Minnesotans seen these?:confused:

Perhaps it was St. Anthony Police. They have that paint scheme.

Speaking of St. Anthony... I think it was St. Anthony that had an engine blow on them during that morning rush hour bank robbery chase this morning. They have Mn/DOT traffic cam video, and you just see smoke pouring out of the engine compartment with the officer still trying to keep up!

[davis002]

Actually... I just confirmed it. MPD is switching to black and white starting April 2008 (I guess they started early). All new graphics as well.

[sgtnewby]

Actually... I just confirmed it. MPD is switching to black and white starting April 2008 (I guess they started early). All new graphics as well.

I knew I could count on you to find out Davis. I did read an article about how MPD is going to be working with ICE. The bleeding heart author of the article said something about, "It's just scary to think that you will start seeing federal agents along with Minneapolis police showing up in your neighborhood in their new 'black and white' squad cars." :rolleyes: Any known pics of the new look yet?

[davis002]

I knew I could count on you to find out Davis. I did read an article about how MPD is going to be working with ICE. The bleeding heart author of the article said something about, "It's just scary to think that you will start seeing federal agents along with Minneapolis police showing up in your neighborhood in their new 'black and white' squad cars." :rolleyes: Any known pics of the new look yet?

I will check with some friends on pictures, or ask them where one is located so I can snap a photo.

[EVILjbf]

http://www.golfcartresource.com/Index_files/golf%20cart.gif

[CorpSec]

I had heard that Minneapolis was going to black and whites several months ago. I think it is a nice change. St. Paul has decided to follow suit and all of their new cars will be black and white as well. They figure it will take 5 years to switch over their whole fleet.

I do like the new Trooper cars. It is a throwback to my youth with the white doors.

[N. A. Corbier]

Lots of agencies are going Black and White. I remember an article in 2005-2006 about a local WI agency doing it, because "the security companies have all these fancy graphics and its harder to tell who the police are."

This amused me greatly, because the tone of the quote was that all guard firms should have spraypainted "SECURITY GUARD" in contrasting color 8" high or something.

Thing is, how are these cars going to last with black hoods? A friend of mine says is fleet almost blew up when he did black/whites on Impalas from the heat.

[CorpSec]

If I recall correctly, the black and white paint scheme adds about $500 to the price of the car. Another issue in addition to the increased price paid up front is the decreased resale value of the cars.

All a cab company has to do with an all white squad is apply their graphics to it. With a black and white they have to do some repainting.

[Tennsix]

If I recall correctly, the black and white paint scheme adds about $500 to the price of the car. Another issue in addition to the increased price paid up front is the decreased resale value of the cars.

All a cab company has to do with an all white squad is apply their graphics to it. With a black and white they have to do some repainting.More like $2,500 per car. There is a new "shrink wrap" system that can be used over a car's paint job that only costs about $200.00 per car. Our bus system uses it and you can't tell it isn't paint. Some PD's are using white shrink wrap on black cars to give it the two-tone scheme.

[CAPTAIN KOOLAID]

If I recall correctly, the black and white paint scheme adds about $500 to the price of the car. Another issue in addition to the increased price paid up front is the decreased resale value of the cars.

All a cab company has to do with an all white squad is apply their graphics to it. With a black and white they have to do some repainting.
Not true unite cab used black and white scheme in louisiana .

[CorpSec]

Here is a quote from an article on the increase popularity of the black and whites: "Manufacturers, aware of agency constraints, quote less than a $500 increase for each car with the traditional paint job."

While some cab companies may opt for the black and white look, I don't think that it is prevalent. Of course in some areas it seems that all cabs are yellow.

[davis002]

I had heard that Minneapolis was going to black and whites several months ago. I think it is a nice change. St. Paul has decided to follow suit and all of their new cars will be black and white as well. They figure it will take 5 years to switch over their whole fleet.

I do like the new Trooper cars. It is a throwback to my youth with the white doors.

Minneapolis unveils new look for squad cars

WHAT: The Minneapolis Police Department will unveil its newly designed squad cars, which not only looks different from current squad cars, but also includes important new
crime-fighting technology.

WHERE: 4th Street South side of City Hall, 350 S. Fifth St.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 29

MORE: Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan, members of the Command Staff, Mayor R.T. Rybak, Minnesota Representative Augustine “Willie” Dominguez and City Council Member
Samuels will be on hand to unveil the new design, which includes the new MPD motto, To Protect with Courage, To Serve with Compassion.

[HotelSecurity]

This is Montreal's newest design. Do you think the front fenders have no markings on them for a reason? (Maybe so they can hide at intersections to catch people going through stop signs?)

BTW this particular car was badly damaged this month in an accident. (Not the hockey riot).

http://policecanada.policecanada.org/Canada/Quebec/Montreal/SPVM140_PB.jpg

http://www.photo-media.ca/default.asp?id=1635

[Aussie-SO]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f13/phoenix1963/policecar.jpg

Since where showing police patrol vehicles I figured I would fly the Aussie flag. You may notice the resemblance to the new Pontiac G8? A Re-badged Holden Commodore that are used here by all Aussie Police forces, this is the SS version a Highway Patrol car used by Victoria Police.

[Tennsix]

That's a fine piece of law enforcement machinery...

[The Hussard]

I love the number 4 option :D

[Deputy Dawg]

I love the number 4 option :D

yeah, same here. sounds like a james bond car haha. wonder where the missles are? :D

[davis002]

The new Minneapolis Police design...

[EMTGuard]

Here's what we drive at the hospital where I work full time.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m229/cellblock776/BRGHmobileb.jpg
1993 Isuzu pickup with 5 speed manual tranny and no power steering.

[bpdblue]

I get the honor of getting an older 2 door toyota rav-4.

The sick part is I actually like the little thing. :eek:

[Badge714]

The new Minneapolis Police design...

I like those! When I was a kid in Minneapolis, they had black and whites. They switched to white squads around 1975, I think.
Interesting how trends come and go. I miss the old fashioned light bars and the Visibars with the dual domes with 4 rotating sealed beams. The leds are okay, but you could really see the cops coming with the old sealed beams flashing off the buildings 2 blocks ahead of the squad.

[Echos13]

Lots of agencies are going Black and White. I remember an article in 2005-2006 about a local WI agency doing it, because "the security companies have all these fancy graphics and its harder to tell who the police are."

This amused me greatly, because the tone of the quote was that all guard firms should have spraypainted "SECURITY GUARD" in contrasting color 8" high or something.

Thing is, how are these cars going to last with black hoods? A friend of mine says is fleet almost blew up when he did black/whites on Impalas from the heat.

Some of the Florida agencies are going B&W. How ever in Polk County the Sheriff is absorbing the majority of the police departments here. They are going from B&W to G&W. Fort Meade had just got new cars in B&W in late '07, six months later they become part of the PCSO. The black hoods do make them run hotter! Not to mention the AC seems to work very little. That's why I think I have seen a lot of the state and city agency cars with dark hoods parked under trees a lot. :)

[The Hussard]

I like those! When I was a kid in Minneapolis, they had black and whites. They switched to white squads around 1975, I think.
Interesting how trends come and go. I miss the old fashioned light bars and the Visibars with the dual domes with 4 rotating sealed beams. The leds are okay, but you could really see the cops coming with the old sealed beams flashing off the buildings 2 blocks ahead of the squad.

I love Michigan State police their car look vintage with the big red gumball light on the roof and the decal on the door . I always think that a police car or a security car dont need to have a lot of decal and stripe to be beautiful only the essantial . Less is beautiful ;)

[SecTrainer]

Umm, 250/300 miles a tank including idling nonstop in -40 weather

I don't see many hybrids functioning well in the "real" winter. In fact, they test them up here, and some of the guys have had to do public assists while on patrol when these guys got stranded while testing in the middle of nowhere with no arctic gear in a snowstorm...

For the size of the vehicle, the Chevys and GMC's we drive are the most economical anyway. 18/20 mpg according to my hand calculated from my POV, since they're large enough that they don't require EPA stats.

You ain't paying too much very good attention with all that "real winter" talk, dewd. Colorado PDs are among the edge-leaders in trying hybrids, for instance. I've already posted about one, but there are others. I reckon they gots "real winters" in Colorado, leastwise they did when I lived there. What do you think? They get "real winter" in Aspen, or some kind of fake winter? Aspen PD Trying Hybrids (http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20080426/NEWS/245431407).

...and you want to talk about Sweden? Switzerland? Germany? Alaska's got no corner on winter.

I have to admit, it's funny. I opined a long time ago that security companies have NO need for police type patrol vehicles and could not justify them on the basis of operating cost OR cost to own. People reacted like I was trying to take away their gicky blankie or something...why, because they're so desperate to look like cops, maybe? I was talking back then about $4 gas, and guess what. I'm sure we'll find out in the next year or so that I badly undershot the mark. So here are your choices as a private security company:

1. Give your profits to Shell and Chevron.

2. Give up dragging your asses around town in heavy iron like you don't know how to use a calculator.

3. Find another job when there isn't anything else to cut but personnel.

The market is already dictating the future: Drivers Desperate to Sell Their Gas Guzzlers (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/05/06/frustrated_owners_try_to_unload_their_guzzlers/).

What's sad about all this is that there's an absolute ton of marvelous alternatives, and I imagine that once the cops are driving them (so they have a "cop image"), you CV-Charger-Impala-Hummer-halftrack boys will start to like them a lot better too. Sometimes I think I could sell some of you a Soviet T-90 if I could lay my hands on one.

[Security]

I love Michigan State police their car look vintage with the big red gumball light on the roof and the decal on the door . I always think that a police car or a security car dont need to have a lot of decal and stripe to be beautiful only the essantial . Less is beautiful ;)

I totally agree with you that less is beautiful. :D Heck, I even prefer the look of unmarked police cars. There is just something that I love about interior warning lights over roof lights...

Although, I have to be honest, I think that "big red gumball light" that the Michigan State Police use on their vehicles is friggin' UGLY - lol.

[davis002]

You ain't paying too much very good attention with all that "real winter" talk, dewd. Colorado PDs are among the edge-leaders in trying hybrids, for instance. I've already posted about one, but there are others. I reckon they gots "real winters" in Colorado, leastwise they did when I lived there. What do you think? They get "real winter" in Aspen, or some kind of fake winter? Aspen PD Trying Hybrids (http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20080426/NEWS/245431407).

...and you want to talk about Sweden? Switzerland? Germany? Alaska's got no corner on winter.

I have to admit, it's funny. I opined a long time ago that security companies have NO need for police type patrol vehicles and could not justify them on the basis of operating cost OR cost to own. People reacted like I was trying to take away their gicky blankie or something...why, because they're so desperate to look like cops, maybe? I was talking back then about $4 gas, and guess what. I'm sure we'll find out in the next year or so that I badly undershot the mark. So here are your choices as a private security company:

1. Give your profits to Shell and Chevron.

2. Give up dragging your asses around town in heavy iron like you don't know how to use a calculator.

3. Find another job when there isn't anything else to cut but personnel.

The market is already dictating the future: Drivers Desperate to Sell Their Gas Guzzlers (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/05/06/frustrated_owners_try_to_unload_their_guzzlers/).

What's sad about all this is that there's an absolute ton of marvelous alternatives, and I imagine that once the cops are driving them (so they have a "cop image"), you CV-Charger-Impala-Hummer-halftrack boys will start to like them a lot better too. Sometimes I think I could sell some of you a Soviet T-90 if I could lay my hands on one.

I love the idea of hybrids, but I don't see any in the current market that can replace all of the duties of our "gas guzzlers". Is there a pursuit-rated hybrid that can haul all the tools of the trade and transport prisoners?

I certainly hope that one day we will see one (and very soon), but in the meantime the Prius is not going to hack it.

[EMTGuard]

could we get back on topic?

[Mr. Chaple]

1. Give your profits to Shell and Chevron.

2. Give up dragging your asses around town in heavy iron like you don't know how to use a calculator.

3. Find another job when there isn't anything else to cut but personnel.

What's sad about all this is that there's an absolute ton of marvelous alternatives, and I imagine that once the cops are driving them (so they have a "cop image"), you CV-Charger-Impala-Hummer-halftrack boys will start to like them a lot better too. Sometimes I think I could sell some of you a Soviet T-90 if I could lay my hands on one.

If you ever have a T-90 that you need to get rid of, drop me a line.

[mjw064]

could we get back on topic?

I drive a segway.

[EMTGuard]

I drive a segway.
Thanks.
Anyone else?
Feel free to post photos of your "ride". I have.

[publicsafetyred]

There are a few companies in So. Cal. that provide mounted patrol services. I worked for one a few years back, so I drove my horse at work. I worked for an HOA and had a partner who was also mounted. Great gig.

Where I work now we use Ford F150 and F250 4x4s with a lift. Company markings, standard lightbar, radio and siren console, rifle rack, and a box mounted in the bed with first aid stuff, pepperball, and safety stuff. The trucks are constantly replaced so they are all mostly new.

[mjw064]

standard marked and unmarked Ford Police Interceptors make up most of the fleet:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT3.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT-1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/SQUIRE.jpg

[mjw064]

.................

[mjw064]

...............

[Echos13]

standard marked and unmarked Ford Police Interceptors make up most of the fleet:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT3.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT-1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/SQUIRE.jpg

I like those graphics!

[doulos Christou]

Pick up trucks are used because they're "small" and therefore "fuel efficient."

Pickups are small? I drive an F-150 for patrol...not quite small when you look at CVPI and Impala...

[The Hussard]

standard marked and unmarked Ford Police Interceptors make up most of the fleet:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT3.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/GROUPSHOT-1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/SQUIRE.jpg


Do you working for Capitol police

[SpecialAgentKC]

Pickups are small? I drive an F-150 for patrol...not quite small when you look at CVPI and Impala...

Previously, I've been assigned F-150's and F-250's. I've been downsized.... But, truth be told? The CHEVY Colorado isn't a bad duty rig. --K.

[The Hussard]

Previously, I've been assigned F-150's and F-250's. I've been downsized.... But, truth be told? The CHEVY Colorado isn't a bad duty rig. --K.

I love this truck , do you working for security police for the city of Seattle

[SpecialAgentKC]

I love this truck , do you working for security police for the city of Seattle

Thanks. And, yes, something like that. We provide critical infrastructure protection for the municipal water supply (which is a regional service), so, we work a large area and I'm usually patrolling areas outside of the city. --K.

[doulos Christou]

We also added an '05 Nissan Frontier extended cab. Nice little truck. Roomier than I thought...and it has enough spaces to store my FAK, extra gear, reports and everything in the nifty little widget pockets...

[Badge714]

I love Michigan State police their car look vintage with the big red gumball light on the roof and the decal on the door . I always think that a police car or a security car dont need to have a lot of decal and stripe to be beautiful only the essantial . Less is beautiful ;)

When I started patrol in 1979, our squads had nice simple markings, with "Midwest Patrol" on the fenders and trunk lid, and our beloved "buzzard" on the doors.
We had 1978 Plymouth Furys with 400 V-8's when I started driving. Then we switched to Plymouth Volare's with 383 V-8's in 1980. Then they went temporarily insane and put us in 1982 Reliants with 4 cylinder engines. Yech! At least our current impalas have V-6's!
The picture is me in the spring of 1981 with a 1980 Volare.

[sgtnewby]

When I started patrol in 1979, our squads had nice simple markings, with "Midwest Patrol" on the fenders and trunk lid, and our beloved "buzzard" on the doors.
We had 1978 Plymouth Furys with 400 V-8's when I started driving. Then we switched to Plymouth Volare's with 383 V-8's in 1980. Then they went temporarily insane and put us in 1982 Reliants with 4 cylinder engines. Yech! At least our current impalas have V-6's!
The picture is me in the spring of 1981 with a 1980 Volare.

:eek:
The Chicken Hawk!
(That's what we called it when I worked there in the mid nineties. At least the folks I worked with.)

[Security]

The CHEVY Colorado isn't a bad duty rig. --K.

I totally agree.

[davis002]

When I started patrol in 1979, our squads had nice simple markings, with "Midwest Patrol" on the fenders and trunk lid, and our beloved "buzzard" on the doors.
We had 1978 Plymouth Furys with 400 V-8's when I started driving. Then we switched to Plymouth Volare's with 383 V-8's in 1980. Then they went temporarily insane and put us in 1982 Reliants with 4 cylinder engines. Yech! At least our current impalas have V-6's!
The picture is me in the spring of 1981 with a 1980 Volare.

You look like good ole' JD "Buck "Savage :)

[The Hussard]

Badge 714 do you get picture of your impala that you can share with the forum that would be nice

[davis002]

Badge 714 do you get picture of your impala that you can share with the forum that would be nice

I believe there is a photo of the impala floating around somewhere on the forums.

[Badge714]

I believe I posted picture of the Impala and our Dodge pickup on this thread. You might have to look back a ways though.

[Badge714]

You look like good ole' JD "Buck "Savage :)

Gee thanks. :eek:

(Good thing I didn't post the one with me behind the car door pointing my 6 inch S&W Model 57 .41 magnum.)

[Nightowl]

Lets see,

Contract Site jobs it was my 72 Polara POV.

Inhouse neighborhood, it was a 86 dodge shadow with svp green mini bar or 79 caddillac sedan-diville w/ S&W lightbar. then it was a 88 corsica with amber/green impulse svp lightbar.

Contract site industrial my ranger POV.

retail was explorers w/whelen lightbars.

When working sites in a POV, the CB radio becomes a nice piece of equipment to have to pass the time..


in 2004, (CSO start date) it was a 2001 Ford Winstar, with corner strobes and a 6 head jet strobe lightbar.

In 07 I was issued a Ford Freestyle with basic strobe lightbar.

Now 08 F150, all led fedsig raydian lightbar, fedsig cuda tri-optic light heads to the rear, 4 rear tail-light strobes and wig wags. I work in traffic.. :rolleyes:

[SteelEmt]

At my steel plant we have a 2004 Ford F450 dually 4X4 with a work body on the back of it. We also have a 2005 Ford Explorer that is load with all the goodies.

[travis061986]

You know what they say....FORD
- Found On Road Dead
- Fix Or Repair Daily
- First On Rust & Dust
- First On Recalls & Dissatisfaction :D

I thought it was f'kn owner really dumb?

LOL

[travis061986]

We have our fleet of Crown Vic Police Interceptors. Model years ranging from 1999 - 2003.

Overall they are great cars besides the fuel milage! I would much rather be driving an Impala. (not a big fan of Ford!)

[auxitrooper]

We drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VOCC1rcF6o

[mjw064]

we use space shuttles.

[sgtnewby]

We have our fleet of Crown Vic Police Interceptors. Model years ranging from 1999 - 2003.

Overall they are great cars besides the fuel milage! I would much rather be driving an Impala. (not a big fan of Ford!)

Been driving Impalas for the last six years. I am a Chevy fan, but the Impalas suck as a squad...

[Blade Runner]

We drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VOCC1rcF6o

Video marked as private......

[Blade Runner]

we also have Segway's and Smith & Wesson Mountain Bikes for our foot beats (these are equipped with red and blue LED's and sirens
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/FREDONSEGWAY.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/mjw064/Segway1.jpg



I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude, BUT.....THIS is the reason cops get a bad rep for being lazy. Foot patrol on a segway??? He could problably(sp?) catch a lot more perps if he wasn't sticking out like a sore thumb. I understand though, that he's on it to be "seen", to deter crime. Sheesh.

[mjw064]

.................

[Minneapolis Security]

Everytime I see a cop on a Segway they are a tub of crap. They should mandate foot patrol for over weight officers.

[Black Caesar]

Do you say cops are lazy when they are in cars? The Segway is a patrol vehicle, which allows officers to cover an area with the same or better efficiency as when patrolling a highly urban area in a car, while still obtaining the benefits of a community oriented foot beat program.

I'll be honest, I use one. I can cover every block of my 10 square block PSA in about 10 minutes on the Segway. Walking it would take well over 30 minutes. The benefit is that I can still respond to calls for service when operating a Segway (standard foot beat officers are NEVER dispatched to calls, due to the amount if time it takes a walking officer to respond), and I stay out on the street for about 7 hours of my 8 hour shift.

Lastly, I am also a certified police cyclist. I prefer the mountain bike over the Segway, and believe it or not, my legs are just as tired at the end of a shift on a mountain bike as they are at the end of a shift on a Segway. Using a Segway isn't as easy or carefree as you may imagine. District Government recently purchased 60+ Segway's, thus the politicians expect to see them out on the street ... it's not up to individual officers.

Clearly, the officer in that picture, who just retired after 30 years of service didn't go out and buy that Segway for his personal use ... You have a very narrow minded view of the world.

Isn't it wonderful when people who probably haven't stepped foot one on a segway make comments like that. We just aquired seqways (our campus is downtown, main campus in the west-central area, nursing school in the west in, resource center clear on the other (east) side of downtown) and you are TIRED after a shift of standing straight up on the thing. you have to spend some time walking just to get the crimps out of your legs.

I'll park my segway against a tree and walk for 5-10 minutes just to stay limber, but standing/balancing on the thing for hours on end is actually fairly good core training.

The part about not being able to catch "perps" (perps lol, what is this, NYPD blue or something) is also interesting. A segway lets an average height officer stand a full head taller than the rest of the crown, almost like riding a horse great for crowd control, and a fleeing suspect can be spotted more easily.

I haven't had to do this yet, but chasing someone with a segway means that THEY are out of breath when you catch them, rather than both of them being tired. One guy asked "well, what happens if the guy you are chasing runs down some stairs, you can't chase him then". I replied that the fact that I was on a seqway means my legs aren't broken, I would simply get off the segway and continue chasing, and STILL be fresher than he is when i catch him. I keep the segway key in my pocket, so when i get off the thing, as soon as I get 10 yards away from it, it locks and an alarm sounds is someone trys to move it.

Like with most other things, people's views about segways are rooted in ignorance.

[mjw064]

Everytime I see a cop on a Segway they are a tub of crap. They should mandate foot patrol for over weight officers.

I won't stoop to this level, but it's just another example of the cop bashing I spoke of in an earlier post. I mean unless you are joking, why would you even make such a blanket statement?

[Black Caesar]

Everytime I see a cop on a Segway they are a tub of crap. They should mandate foot patrol for over weight officers.


There it is again, that trademark private security Hypocrisy (which usually most strongly asserts itself when the discussion turns to some police officer or another).... Only Jealousy could fuel such loathing.

....Hello, have you seen the people who work in private security? I'd bet money the average cop is fitter than the average S/O. Hellfire and damnation, all one has to do is go to youtube and type the words security guard to see some really less than flattering (but obviously well fed) S/Os.

Hell, if that doesn't get the point across, we could just look at the picture threads in this forum, but I doubt you want to go there.....

[JB diligence]

OK OK...

We got unfit S/O's, unfit Cops, unfit this, that and the other unfit things!!! Fact is that there are unfit people all over but some how becomes a big deal.

Let's face it, in just about every occupation, there are unfit people (aside from athleates, minus Sumo wrestlers, who in their own right may infact be fit, contrary to our beliefs of fitness), some are going to exploit that to make them look bad or whatever the intent is.

Can we just knock it off with the S/O vs LEO bashing crap, it's getting kinda silly.

[Curtis Baillie]

Everytime I see a cop on a Segway they are a tub of crap. They should mandate foot patrol for over weight officers......PM sent

[Mr. Security]

Segway is a great tool for mobility. As the picture above shows, it's also a great conversation starter for police & public.

[JB diligence]

Segway is a great tool for mobility. As the picture above shows, it's also a great conversation starter for police & public.

I AGREE!

Regardless which role you play LEO or Security establishing rapport with client(s), the public or whoever, having that basic rapport is the best way to gain trust, cooperation and deter problems by establishing that you too are a person to not just some 'figure'. If you happen to have a conversation starter to get the ball rolling, all the better.

I wonder how high the CDI factor is (Chicks Dig It factor) is with those...:rolleyes:

[SRF]

Any of the following which are in our fleet:

A few Ford Explorers
A fewChevy Trailblazers
A couple Chevy Tahoes
A few Ford Expeditions

All with lightbars. A mix of LED lightbars, vector halogen lightbars, and edge strobe lightbars.

[Son-Of-A-Pilot]

Take home or shift car? I've noticed that if your agency is smart enough to issue take homes, you'll get alot more service out of em. For a 2000 CVPI to have 95,000 miles on it, with a police agency, is incredible. :) Give me the days of the Caprice Classic when they started falling apart after 300,000.


We are driving a 2004 Ford Escape which has 117,500 miles on it. :D This one has been around the block. It transfered in from another site. I think the warranty expired a while ago.

[Ranger05]

I drive a real nice 2005 Ford Ranger while on patrol. Only complaint is....IT'S MINE! :mad:

[souperdave]

I get to sport a nice pair of blacked sueded NIKEs......the big boss won't let me bring my Blazer into the store.:p

Although the store's plenty big enough to drive around in.......except for the escalators.:D

[Mr. Chaple]

I drive a real nice 2005 Ford Ranger while on patrol. Only complaint is....IT'S MINE! :mad:

That just happens to be how I got a Towncar for my patrol vehicle (albeit a 1995 Towncar)

[sgtnewby]

I see good 'ol Midwest Patrol (GSSC) got themselves a Charger.

[FlaSecurity1234]

see http://www.cisworldservices.org/CISinAction/miscpics5.html

[tacscuba]

At my new job we get RAV4's. One of them has lights and a siren :)