Michigan State Police To Test 2013 Patrol Vehicles
The Michigan State Police will test 19 law enforcement vehicles later this month slated for release by automotive and motorcycle manufacturers for the 2013 model year.
A tester attaches an optical sensor to a Chevy Tahoe to measure top speed and acceleration. Photo: MSP
The Michigan State Police will test 19 law enforcement vehicles later this month slated for release by automotive and motorcycle manufacturers for the 2013 model year.
In all, the M.S.P. Precision Driving Unit will test 12 four-wheel patrol vehicles and seven motorcycles. Troopers will evaluate one new vehicle, Honda's ST1300P motorcycle, along with models tested a year ago. Kawasaki's Concours 14P motorcycle won't be tested.
Ford brings three versions of its Police Interceptor sedan. The new P.I. is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter V-6. The twin-turbo all-wheel-drive sedan will also be tested. Troopers will also evaluate Ford's P.I. Utility with all-wheel drive and a 3.7-liter V-6.
General Motors will bring four vehicles—the rear-wheel drive Chevy Caprice PPV with a 3.6-liter V-6 and 6.0-liter V-8; front-wheel drive Chevy Impala with 3.6-liter V-6; and pursuit-rated rear-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe with 5.3-liter, V-8.
Chrysler will bring four Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans with two powertrains and two rear-axle ratios. The first Charger is powered with a 3.6-liter V-6 and is offered in 2.65 and 3.07 rear-axle ratios. The second Charger is powered with a 5.7-liter V-8 and is offered in 2.65 and 3.06 rear-axle ratios.
This year, the unit elected to discontinue its testing of E85-fuel vehicles, because the results were fairly similar to regular gasoline, Sgt. Matt Rogers told POLICE Magazine.
Six motorcycles return from a year ago: BMW's R1200 RTP; Harley-Davidson's FLHTP Electra Glide (with batwing faring) and FLHP Road King; and Victory's Commander I (with batwing faring), Commander II, and Vision.
Kawasaki has shelved its Concours 14P motorcycle after announcing an electrical recall. Honda's police motorcycle, which is tested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department each October, will be tested by the M.S.P. for the first time.
"We found a local dealer who was selling those bikes," Rogers said. "They come from the factory, and the dealer does minimal upfitting."
The driving unit was contacted by Can-Am for possible testing of its Spyder roadster, but the company elected to do more testing on a law enforcement version of a vehicle Rogers describes as a "reverse trike."
The vehicles will be evaluated for acceleration, top speed, and brake testing from Sept. 12-15 at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea. The vehicles will also be put through high-speed handling tests, on Sept. 17, to simulate pursuit conditions at Grattan Raceway.
Related:
More Blog Posts
Preventing Heat Injury in Police K-9s
In the relentless heat of summer and even early fall in some parts of the country, officers face the important task of protecting their K-9 partners while working in sweltering temperatures. Recognizing changes in a dog’s behavior is the key.
Read More →
Why Your Agency Needs to Attend the ILEETA Conference
ILEETA is a complete resource for trainers to address trainers' needs. Its mission is to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners while fostering stronger and safer communities.
Read More →
IACP 2023: New Training Products
Technologies for improving law enforcement training and training management were some of the highlights at this year's show.
Read More →
Initial Results Released from MSP 2024 Police Vehicle Testing
The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces.
Read More →
Officer Safety Considerations Related to Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
As more alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles hit the road, police and other first responders need to understand that they are no more dangerous than conventional vehicles. However, there are certain safety considerations every cop should know.
Read More →
Garmont Working to Grow LE Market Presence
Garmont Tactical has found wide acceptance by military boot buyers, but now the company is trying to better respond to the needs of police officers. Many cops now are not fans of 8-inch boots, so Garmont is adapting.
Read More →
Publisher’s Note: Our Commitment to You
Through our magazine and website and our Police Technology eXchange event, we promise to provide you with information and access to resources to help you do your job safer and better.
Read More →
10 Tips for Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is a model for other agencies that want to learn about crisis intervention and mental health crisis response. Sgt. Jose Gomez shares the story of their programs and provides 10 tips for mental health crisis call response
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Concealed-Carry or Off-Duty Holsters
Mike Barham, of Galco Holsters, shares five important considerations to keep in mind when you buy off-duty concealed or plain-clothes carry holsters.
Read More →
10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports
While the burden of accurately reporting use-of-force situations is on an individual deputy or officer, the person reviewing those reports shares in the responsibility of making sure the reporting is done properly, with clear details included.
Read More →