Calling All Cars

The new system will eventually allow officers out in the field to immediately view color images, such as mug shots and fingerprints. They will also be able to work on their laptop computers outside of their cars and then connect them back into the cars as needed.

Texas Agency Seeks Purchase of 176 Crown Vics

The Austin (Texas) Police Department has requested $4.5 million from its city to purchase 179 Ford Crown Vic cruisers in the final year of production.

Carbon Motors Arrives In Indiana

Carbon Motors Corp.'s decision to produce its clean-diesel E7 patrol vehicle in Connorsville, Ind., has understandably brought hope to a town with a 60 percent unemployment rate. It also means the vehicle takes another step toward becoming a tangible option for forward-thinking law enforcement agencies.

Illinois Agency Upgrades to Rugged Laptops

Rugged Notebooks' Eagle provides ease-of-use and ruggedness, according to the company. And because of the cost efficiency of this laptop, Oakwood Hills PD was able to outfit four vehicles instead of two.

Driving the New Patrol Cars

The chance to get behind the wheel of the new patrol cars proved to be an opportunity I just couldn't pass up. So I'm passing along a few driving notes about the cars. I've never pursued a suspect through a blind alley or attempted a PIT Maneuver at high speeds, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt.

William Bell

Small California Departments Deal with Increased Fuel Costs, Keep Patrols Rolling

“Like everybody else in law enforcement, we will just adapt accordingly,” says Chief Ramar. “If the gas prices continue the way they are, for next year we will either have to figure out a way to cut back or get more funding on that line-item budget.”

Carbon Motors Denied Federal Loan

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) won't provide $310 million in loans to Carbon Motors to produce the purpose-built E7 patrol car. The company is "actively examining its strategic and financing alternatives."

EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. Receives $900K Contract from City of Marietta

Irving, Texas-based EF Johnson Technologies announced today that it has received a $900,000 order from the City of Marietta, Ga. The order calls for the company to provide its Project 25 compliant radios and accessories.