Vehicles: Page 9

Unmanned Aircraft Gather Intel In Texas

These aircraft are flown remotely by a pair of pilots at ground control stations essentially using a high-tech flight simulator. The drones have a 66-foot wingspan and are powered by a turboprop engine at the rear. Fuel capacity supports 20 hours of flying time.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin using drone surveillance aircraft similar to these to support drug and human smuggling enforcement along the Texas/Mexico border.

History of America's First Motorized Patrol Vehicle

The Akron Police Department claims this historic distinction with an electric-powered patrol wagon produced in 1899.

The term 'squad car' likely came from early patrol days, when agencies used wagons to transport the whole squad. Image via Akron Police Department.

Grille-Mounted GPS-Tag Launcher Gives Officers Alternative to Pursuits

Each year, about 360 people are killed during police pursuits. About a third of those are bystanders, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The StarChase launcher is mounted to the grill of Arizona DPS Highway Patrol Officer Korey Lankow's patrol car. Image courtesy of StarChase.

Rating the 2010 Patrol Cars

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department completed its annual evaluation of police vehicles and released separate reports on the motorcycles and patrol cars that POLICE Magazine obtained. We've given you the motorcycle evaluation. Now get ready for the patrol cars.

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Buying Surveillance Cars at Dealer Auctions

When the fleet manager for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department needs to replenish the agency's fleet of surveillance cars, he uses a method that other LE agencies may not know exists: He buys the cars at private dealer auctions.

Vehicles such as the Mercury Grand Marquis LS (2008 model pictured) are ideal for surveillance work, because they offer a V-8 engine, spacious trunk and affordable price. Image courtesy of Ford.

Officers Praise Safety Features and Ergonomics of Sleek New Ford Patrol Vehicle

Ford unveiled the vehicle at a private fleet event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Law enforcement fleet managers who attended the event were impressed by the vehicle's power, safety features, and ergonomics.

The cockpit of Ford's new Police Interceptor will include a column shifter to free up the center console area. Seats have been redesigned with a lower bolster that adds room for an officer's duty belt. The driver- and passenger-side seats include anti-stab plates.

L.A. County Sheriff Releases 2010 Motorcycle Evaluation

Police riders evaluated five 2009/2010 model year motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, Honda, and BMW.

The Los Angeles Sheriff Department's EVOC unit released a report summarizing its evaluation of five 2010 model year motorcycles. Photo by Paul Clinton.

Chasing Down Two-Wheeled Scofflaws

Every motor officer can tell you stories about pursuits of other bikes, and the successes and mistakes made. We learn from others, and share those stories to keep our brothers and sisters safe. Here are a few thoughts that may help you.

Your prey? Pursuing two-wheel violators requires special procedures. Image via Scott the Hobo (Flickr.com).

LAPD Selects BMW For Motor Patrol

The department is now taking delivery of the last of the 100 R1200 RT-P 2009 sport touring motorcycles, and will shift away from the Harley-Davidson cruisers that have been a staple of one of the nation's largest motor patrol units.

How to Become a Police Helicopter Pilot

Read this how-to guide for sworn officers in larger departments who dream of one day joining their agency's airborne unit.

Image via San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Texas Dealer Offers 400hp Dodge Challenger Patrol Car

One enterprising Chrysler dealer in Dallas is offering a custom "special service" version of the re-introduced Dodge Challenger muscle car for patrol that should put Texas-sized fear into the hearts and minds of traffic violators.

The Dodge Challenger patrol car is a special service vehicle that reaches a top speed of 165 mph. Photo courtesy of Bert Stull.

Michigan State Police Release 2010 Vehicle Test Results

The Michigan State Police driving unit has released the results from the evaluation of the 2010 models of the most widely used patrol vehicles. The 2010 Dodge Charger is a top performer.

Chrysler's Dodge Charger fared best in top speed, acceleration and braking at the Michigan State Police's testing event of 2010 patrol vehicles. Photo via Chrysler.

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