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Post by silverdragon on Oct 7, 2014 8:22:53 GMT
Why have I never posted this one before?...
It was a myth when I was a kid... and dont start with the did they drive Model T's in those days jokes... no they didnt......
But anyway, its always been believed that Cops have extra power under the hood, the chip and boost to hell and back and will engine swap for a better one.....
Nope.
As far as I know, they run standard off the forecourt cars with nothing special.
If they need more power on the traffic cars, they go but more powerful cars to start with... In the case of Manchester, they do run a Subaru WRX, but it hasnt been super-chipped or anything, its standard.
Cop cars are well maintained, they do get the best care they can find, they are always at the peak of condition underneath, but they dont void the warranty by changing the engines.
As I say, as far as I know.
So... go get a Ex-Cop car, and find a same car that wasnt a cop from elsewhere, hold a drag race see who is faster, then run engine diagnostics to see who has lost more horses by bad maintenance.....?....
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Post by GTCGreg on Oct 7, 2014 14:03:11 GMT
The "standard" cop car in the US was always the Ford Crown Victoria. It was chosen for a couple of different reasons but size and power were the top two. The cop version always had the largest engine available for that model but no different than what the general public could order.
When Ford downsized the Crown Vic, most of the police departments around here went with full size SUV's.
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Post by the light works on Oct 7, 2014 15:22:39 GMT
Why have I never posted this one before?... It was a myth when I was a kid... and dont start with the did they drive Model T's in those days jokes... no they didnt...... But anyway, its always been believed that Cops have extra power under the hood, the chip and boost to hell and back and will engine swap for a better one..... Nope. As far as I know, they run standard off the forecourt cars with nothing special. If they need more power on the traffic cars, they go but more powerful cars to start with... In the case of Manchester, they do run a Subaru WRX, but it hasnt been super-chipped or anything, its standard. Cop cars are well maintained, they do get the best care they can find, they are always at the peak of condition underneath, but they dont void the warranty by changing the engines. As I say, as far as I know. So... go get a Ex-Cop car, and find a same car that wasnt a cop from elsewhere, hold a drag race see who is faster, then run engine diagnostics to see who has lost more horses by bad maintenance.....?.... here, the standard cop "car" is currently the Ford Explorer Interceptor. - not available on the forecourt. they are a cut above the explorers available on the forecourt, but they are ordered from the factory in that configuration - which I believe includes the wiring for the extra lights, as well as the custom interior fittings. addendum: Chevy and Dodge also make cars with the police option package, only available to emergency response agencies.
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Post by Cybermortis on Oct 7, 2014 16:34:22 GMT
www.ford.com/fordpoliceinterceptor/US police vehicles are factory made variants designed to be faster/more powerful and tougher than the civilian version. Keep in mind here that in the UK police have three main types of vehicle - patrol, interceptor and van. While in the US it seems that it is usual for patrol and interceptor units to be one and the same - and for 'van' duties to be often filled by patrol vehicles as well. (For example US patrol cars usually have a grill between the front and rear compartments, where as UK patrol cars don't. This is because in the UK suspects are usually transported to the station in a van rather than a patrol car, where as in the US you are probably more likely to be taken back to the station in the back of a car) This is a consequence of the area in which US police forces have to patrol compared to their UK counterparts, as well as different tactics when it comes to dealing with chases which are in turn a reflection of somewhat different road designs. For example in the US speeds in chases tend to be higher as the roads tend to be straighter. Likewise the Pit stop maneuver is carried out much more frequently in the US than in the UK because the wider roads in the US as well as houses tending to be set further back from the road. In the UK trying to spin a car off the road using the pit would probably result in having to explain to a very irate home owner why the coffee table in the living road has been replaced by a Ford Mondeo, or why the car they parked in front of their house is now resting in next doors kitchen. As far as police cars in the UK go it does seem as if they are custom variants of civilian models. The information provided by Ford UK is somewhat vague on the matter, beyond mentioning that they do in fact make alterations to vehicles intended for use by emergency services. It is reasonable to assume that many elements of UK police vehicles are heavier duty components, and probably the same kinds of alterations as made to US cars. In both the US and UK the heavy duty components are less about making the vehicles better suited for chases, and more about police vehicles being on the road for something like 20 hours per day seven days a week.
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Post by the light works on Oct 7, 2014 16:45:08 GMT
www.ford.com/fordpoliceinterceptor/US police vehicles are factory made variants designed to be faster/more powerful and tougher than the civilian version. Keep in mind here that in the UK police have three main types of vehicle - patrol, interceptor and van. While in the US it seems that it is usual for patrol and interceptor units to be one and the same - and for 'van' duties to be often filled by patrol vehicles as well. (For example US patrol cars usually have a grill between the front and rear compartments, where as UK patrol cars don't. This is because in the UK suspects are usually transported to the station in a van rather than a patrol car, where as in the US you are probably more likely to be taken back to the station in the back of a car) This is a consequence of the area in which US police forces have to patrol compared to their UK counterparts, as well as different tactics when it comes to dealing with chases which are in turn a reflection of somewhat different road designs. For example in the US speeds in chases tend to be higher as the roads tend to be straighter. Likewise the Pit stop maneuver is carried out much more frequently in the US than in the UK because the wider roads in the US as well as houses tending to be set further back from the road. In the UK trying to spin a car off the road using the pit would probably result in having to explain to a very irate home owner why the coffee table in the living road has been replaced by a Ford Mondeo, or why the car they parked in front of their house is now resting in next doors kitchen. As far as police cars in the UK go it does seem as if they are custom variants of civilian models. The information provided by Ford UK is somewhat vague on the matter, beyond mentioning that they do in fact make alterations to vehicles intended for use by emergency services. It is reasonable to assume that many elements of UK police vehicles are heavier duty components, and probably the same kinds of alterations as made to US cars. In both the US and UK the heavy duty components are less about making the vehicles better suited for chases, and more about police vehicles being on the road for something like 20 hours per day seven days a week. right - we only have a few cars in any fleet that are not capable of carrying a suspect - and those are typically special purpose cars, like K-9 units (which are set up so the dog can open the door and let himself out - a feature that is not on cars designed to carry a suspect) those vehicles in US police forces that would be considered vans are used for carrying groups of police personnel as often as they are used for carrying suspects. (btw, for those who do not know, PIT stands for Precision Intercept Technique)
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Post by GTCGreg on Oct 7, 2014 18:21:15 GMT
While the US auto makers do offer special upfitter options for emergency vehicle use, they do not offer any enhanced engine/performance options. The reason, as was explained to me by one factory rep, is because if they make any modifications whatsoever to the engine or ECM software, they have to resubmit their entire fleet to the EPA for reevaluation. The EPA will make no exceptions for vehicles used in EV applications.
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Post by kharnynb on Oct 7, 2014 20:11:39 GMT
The finnish police uses volkswagen transporters for most of their official fleet, modified to have a holding area in the back and a small office in the middle.
Some highway teams have faster cars, but they tend to be factory models.
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Post by ironhold on Oct 7, 2014 23:51:44 GMT
In my area, when Ford discontinued the Crown Vic a lot of the departments started using Dodge Chargers.
Also, a number of American police departments keep at least one pickup truck, jeep, and/or SUV in their fleet. These vehicles may not be able to keep pace in a standard highway pursuit, but they can make all the difference in a pursuit over rough roads or off-road pursuits where the usual cruisers cannot go (or must reduce speed if they can).
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Post by the light works on Oct 8, 2014 5:11:26 GMT
While the US auto makers do offer special upfitter options for emergency vehicle use, they do not offer any enhanced engine/performance options. The reason, as was explained to me by one factory rep, is because if they make any modifications whatsoever to the engine or ECM software, they have to resubmit their entire fleet to the EPA for reevaluation. The EPA will make no exceptions for vehicles used in EV applications. each automaker's "interceptor" line is an upgraded performance vehicle - but since it is a standard option (though limited availability) the EPA documentation is already done.
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Post by Cybermortis on Oct 8, 2014 10:19:18 GMT
Another thing to consider about police vehicles is running costs. As I noted above the average patrol car is probably on the road for some 20 hours per day 7 days a week. This is most likely the main reason for heavy duty parts, they reduce breakdowns in the fleet which in turn lowers running costs. You try driving an off the shelf car that often and even without getting involved in high speed chases you'd be lucky if it didn't fall apart after a few years or spend most of its time undergoing maintenance.
This also explains why high performance sports type cars and more specialized vehicles are uncommon, they cost more to run even if you only look at fuel costs alone.
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Post by the light works on Oct 8, 2014 13:33:28 GMT
Another thing to consider about police vehicles is running costs. As I noted above the average patrol car is probably on the road for some 20 hours per day 7 days a week. This is most likely the main reason for heavy duty parts, they reduce breakdowns in the fleet which in turn lowers running costs. You try driving an off the shelf car that often and even without getting involved in high speed chases you'd be lucky if it didn't fall apart after a few years or spend most of its time undergoing maintenance. This also explains why high performance sports type cars and more specialized vehicles are uncommon, they cost more to run even if you only look at fuel costs alone. Comfort is also a factor - as the policeman spends the majority of his career behind the wheel - my city bought a Taurus interceptor, first - which is a Taurus body on an Explorer chassis - and found that none of their officers wanted to drive it; and as one officer said, he wouldn't even put a suspect he hated into the back seat.
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Post by GTCGreg on Oct 8, 2014 14:23:51 GMT
Another thing to consider about police vehicles is running costs. As I noted above the average patrol car is probably on the road for some 20 hours per day 7 days a week. This is most likely the main reason for heavy duty parts, they reduce breakdowns in the fleet which in turn lowers running costs. You try driving an off the shelf car that often and even without getting involved in high speed chases you'd be lucky if it didn't fall apart after a few years or spend most of its time undergoing maintenance. This also explains why high performance sports type cars and more specialized vehicles are uncommon, they cost more to run even if you only look at fuel costs alone. In the US, operating cost is usually last on the list of "must haves" when it comes to government purchases.
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Post by silverdragon on Oct 9, 2014 6:55:39 GMT
I spoke to a Cop friend. Yes the cops will chose the "Extras" if on offer when the car is bought..... But only the package that comes street legal for anyone to buy. The car is sold on open market and has been type approved. To chance to a different engine and configuration than already approved may mean a Single Type Approval thing at the local MOT safety test station.... And that voids warranties.....
Many of the lower non pursuit type vehicles come on lease hire and are handed back at the end of the lease to be sold of at auction.
They also stated that if a vehicle is "Confiscated" that is under warranty, such as a Lambo Aventadore, yes, certain trained officers will have use of that vehicle as an unmarked observation platform. It has no powers to stop other vehicles, but once another marked vehicle has stopped a suspect, the cops inside can join in with the arrest.....
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Post by the light works on Oct 9, 2014 11:10:36 GMT
I spoke to a Cop friend. Yes the cops will chose the "Extras" if on offer when the car is bought..... But only the package that comes street legal for anyone to buy. The car is sold on open market and has been type approved. To chance to a different engine and configuration than already approved may mean a Single Type Approval thing at the local MOT safety test station.... And that voids warranties..... Many of the lower non pursuit type vehicles come on lease hire and are handed back at the end of the lease to be sold of at auction. They also stated that if a vehicle is "Confiscated" that is under warranty, such as a Lambo Aventadore, yes, certain trained officers will have use of that vehicle as an unmarked observation platform. It has no powers to stop other vehicles, but once another marked vehicle has stopped a suspect, the cops inside can join in with the arrest..... here, it is different - you have to be an emergency services agency to be allowed to buy a car with the factory installed Interceptor option package. it is still street legal, but some of the options are emergency services only - like the prewired connections for the lights and sirens; and the back seat with the indentation for the handcuffs to be worn inside the vehicle. if a car is confiscated on drug charges, the police agency can modify it in such a way that does not change its emissions profile (there are aftermarket add-ons that are preapproved if they have a mechanic who wants to tinker with drivetrain and suspension) and put police livery on it. - at which time is becomes either a patrol car, or a display car for the anti drug program. (basically the program was developed to parade around in their trophies)
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Post by GTCGreg on Oct 9, 2014 14:47:04 GMT
I spoke to a Cop friend. Yes the cops will chose the "Extras" if on offer when the car is bought..... But only the package that comes street legal for anyone to buy. The car is sold on open market and has been type approved. To chance to a different engine and configuration than already approved may mean a Single Type Approval thing at the local MOT safety test station.... And that voids warranties..... Many of the lower non pursuit type vehicles come on lease hire and are handed back at the end of the lease to be sold of at auction. They also stated that if a vehicle is "Confiscated" that is under warranty, such as a Lambo Aventadore, yes, certain trained officers will have use of that vehicle as an unmarked observation platform. It has no powers to stop other vehicles, but once another marked vehicle has stopped a suspect, the cops inside can join in with the arrest..... here, it is different - you have to be an emergency services agency to be allowed to buy a car with the factory installed Interceptor option package. it is still street legal, but some of the options are emergency services only - like the prewired connections for the lights and sirens; and the back seat with the indentation for the handcuffs to be worn inside the vehicle. if a car is confiscated on drug charges, the police agency can modify it in such a way that does not change its emissions profile (there are aftermarket add-ons that are preapproved if they have a mechanic who wants to tinker with drivetrain and suspension) and put police livery on it. - at which time is becomes either a patrol car, or a display car for the anti drug program. (basically the program was developed to parade around in their trophies) I'm sure it varies from state to state. Our town has a vehicle auction every year or so. They offer everything from road maintenance trucks to ambulances to police vehicles. With the police vehicles, all they seem to do is strip off the lights and radios and paint over the police markings. I've seen them sell them with the weird back seats in them. They even still auction off the lights but as a separate lot.
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Post by the light works on Oct 10, 2014 5:11:06 GMT
here, it is different - you have to be an emergency services agency to be allowed to buy a car with the factory installed Interceptor option package. it is still street legal, but some of the options are emergency services only - like the prewired connections for the lights and sirens; and the back seat with the indentation for the handcuffs to be worn inside the vehicle. if a car is confiscated on drug charges, the police agency can modify it in such a way that does not change its emissions profile (there are aftermarket add-ons that are preapproved if they have a mechanic who wants to tinker with drivetrain and suspension) and put police livery on it. - at which time is becomes either a patrol car, or a display car for the anti drug program. (basically the program was developed to parade around in their trophies) I'm sure it varies from state to state. Our town has a vehicle auction every year or so. They offer everything from road maintenance trucks to ambulances to police vehicles. With the police vehicles, all they seem to do is strip off the lights and radios and paint over the police markings. I've seen them sell them with the weird back seats in them. They even still auction off the lights but as a separate lot. well, yeah - retired police vehicles are an entirely different story.
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Post by Cybermortis on Oct 10, 2014 10:05:24 GMT
For those who don't know, the 'weird back seats' in (some) US patrol cars have indentations in them. These are to allow a suspect who is cuffed to sit comfortably with their arms behind their back. Apparently the seats are actually rather comfortable, even though they do look like some type of torture device.
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Post by the light works on Oct 10, 2014 13:57:55 GMT
For those who don't know, the 'weird back seats' in (some) US patrol cars have indentations in them. These are to allow a suspect who is cuffed to sit comfortably with their arms behind their back. Apparently the seats are actually rather comfortable, even though they do look like some type of torture device. they are also designed to withstand the average suspect temper tantrum.
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Post by Antigone68104 on Oct 27, 2014 22:30:01 GMT
Also, a number of American police departments keep at least one pickup truck, jeep, and/or SUV in their fleet. These vehicles may not be able to keep pace in a standard highway pursuit, but they can make all the difference in a pursuit over rough roads or off-road pursuits where the usual cruisers cannot go (or must reduce speed if they can). Most of the cop/sheriff/state patrol K-9 vehicles I've seen are SUVs -- double the legs doesn't equal double the needed legroom, but I'm certain it's more comfortable for the dog. We also use SUVs in winter, for those times when a crime occurs before the roads have been plowed.
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Post by wvengineer on Oct 27, 2014 23:51:10 GMT
This also explains why high performance sports type cars and more specialized vehicles are uncommon, they cost more to run even if you only look at fuel costs alone. Comfort is also a factor - as the policeman spends the majority of his career behind the wheel - my city bought a Taurus interceptor, first - which is a Taurus body on an Explorer chassis - and found that none of their officers wanted to drive it; and as one officer said, he wouldn't even put a suspect he hated into the back seat.[/quote] Where are you getting the Taurus body on an Explorer? I can't find that anywhere on Ford's site. Both are unibodys in the latest generation, so you can't put the body of one on the frame of another. I could understanding fitting a Taurus body with the engine and drive train of a explorer, but that is a different beast. You couldn't use the suspension of the Explorer doe to very different body setups. In my area they have been retiring the old Crown Vic's. For a while they were buying Dodge Chargers, but they have since switched over to Ford Taurus Intereceptors. The Ford Explorer Interceptor is also reasonably common. I did see a neighboring city with a Chevy Camero cop car, but that is the only one I have seen anywhere. They don't seam to be popular at all. Part of the reason for cop cars using standard line engines and such is parts. If a police station has a breakdown, they can just call up the local Chevy/Dodge/Ford/whatever dealer and they will most likely have the part on the shelf because multiple lines use the same part. Whereas if they are custom parts, they would have to be special ordered. Back for my old job, one of my projects was to build a Hazmat transport truck. I read up a lot on truck bodies and at one point I looked at a Ambulance Package Chasis Cab from Ford. What I remember the diferance there was dual heavy duty alternators for the large power draw, an AC generator (not a DC invereter), extra switches in the cab for misc. devices and a setup for easily installing radios. The engine was the same Power Stroke diesel as they offered in the normal chasis cab trucks, same tranies (RWD or 4wd) too.
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