Police & Law Enforcement - Dodge? Chevy? Ford?

"Lets Just Drive" (lets-just-drive) 10/02/2013 at 22:56 • Filed to: POLICEOPNIK?

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Another post in another thread got me thinking about the subject of police cruisers and as some of you may, or may not, know I work alongside LEO's pretty much every day. In the course of my daily routine I'm regularly called upon to interact with peace officers and members of the enforcement branches which, if your only experience with "the cops" involves being chastised by them, is an enjoyable aspect of my job.

As such, I've had the benefit of speaking to various officers about the vehicles they use in the course of their duties and I've even had the luck to speak to members of the enforcement community who were themselves fortunate enough to be involved in their branches selection of new duty vehicles. I've heard it all and overwhelmingly the community says the same things about their cars. Having access to that information first-hand has colored the way I read the journalistic review of same including those articles published by Jalopnik.

It occurs to me, however, that we have quite a few active or retired members of law enforcement who may have their own opinions and that Opponauts in general tend to have their own and fairly strong opinions about these things and I'd really like to know what the community thinks of the new service vehicles they've encountered.

So, what are your thoughts?

Surprisingly, the most common answer I've heard is that law enforcement officers would have preferred to keep the Crown Victoria's in service. The old Panther had plenty of room for equipment, was easy to get in and out of with a full kit on your waist, and had enough power for typical police duties. Even getting on in years, the biggest complaint from the departments (and not the officers, I might add) was one of fuel economy because the old Fords were cheap to keep on the road and cheaper to buy new, even in comparison, than any of the Big Three offerings currently being pushed (and, in fact, the Dodge blows that budget right out of the water!) but, it's time has come and the bureaucrats must have their fun too... even if it involves massive mis-spending of allotted funds.

Tom McParland > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:01

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I don't have an opinion on the subject...being I am not a LEO. But...would you mind telling me more about what you do with LE? It sounds very interesting.

Dunnik > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:02

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The Taurus. More reliable than the Charger, and almost as intimidating looking.

Toronto police ride them now - most of the Panthers are going or gone :( - and they look pretty sik in the flesh. Very Robocopesque.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:05

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Ford. Because AWD and michigan winters. And twin turbo.

offroadkarter > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:06

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I hate getting pulled over in my marauder by a crown victoria. I feel like a member of the bourgeoisie getting pulled over by the proletariat.

(no ticket, woo hoo)

Lets Just Drive > Tom McParland 10/02/2013 at 23:08

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Private security contractor.

dogisbadob > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:08

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I can't believe I'm choosing GM here, even though they're being childish with Caprice sales by not selling them retail.

But COME ON, from the land of hooning!

Ford should sell the Falcon over here. It would make a great Panther replacement instead of that Taurass obamanation

TheOnelectronic > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:10

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I'm continuously surprised that a purpose-built law enforcement vehicle hasn't taken off (a la Carbon Motors).

But I know nothing.,

Lets Just Drive > Dunnik 10/02/2013 at 23:12

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You touch on one of my problems with the Charger; it's too aggressive looking. I prefer a more neutral looking car, given that the Police aren't the SS or something I don't see why they need something that looks like it wants to eat you.

Kailand09 > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:14

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I'm not a LEO but my buddy is, and has tested out all the current offerings.

Basically, they all LOVE the SUV's (mostly the ford explorer based one). Big enough to haul equipment, high on the road for good visibility, and fast enough to do what they need to.

In terms of the sedans, I believe he said he thought the charger was hands down the winner. Handling, speed, and visibility are all vastly improved over the last gen one, and he said it is very comfortable too. The ford had too small of seats he said, for the LEO's that are a bit larger than him (he has a thinner build).

Personally, I think the dodge is the best looking of the bunch anyway. Plus, don't they get a beautiful hemi under the hood? Can't say no to that...

Lets Just Drive > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/02/2013 at 23:14

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The Ford makes a great case for itself.

Cheaper, if only slightly, than the Dodge. Less angry looking, too. AWD instead of RWD which, in a duty vehicle, is a good thing. Twin Turbo means plenty of power when needed but good mileage when patrolling. It's easier to get in and out of, carries a good payload of equipment and happens to be a Ford which means all the support Ford has traditionally offered its customers in law enforcement. Also, the Caprice isn't an option in Canada right now.

Lets Just Drive > offroadkarter 10/02/2013 at 23:17

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Do you know anyone in enforcement? Even retired?

Get them to "lend you" something of theirs with an old badge, patch or logo on it. Something that says, "I'm friendly to law enforcement" like a Sheriff's jacket or something. Toss that shit on your backseat. You'll get pulled, but you'll almost never get bagged... well, unless you get busted for being a poseur, then you're fucked and all the grace of God won't save your ass.

A friend of mine, retired CVSE (Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement) keeps his old jacket visible through the rear glass. Here, in Canadialand, CVSE is a branch of enforcement and their officers are LEO's thus the badge identifies him as a member of the fraternity.

In my job, I know a lot of LEO's. But I wouldn't pull that shit.

Lets Just Drive > dogisbadob 10/02/2013 at 23:21

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I'm leaning toward the Ford myself.

Because AWD.

Everything else offered by the Caprice comes with the Interceptor (by far the best name, btw) at a lower price. It looks like a better option, at the very least, versus the Dodge.

And then, having said all of that, the enthusiast part of me wants the Chevy in the most unimaginable way.

Lets Just Drive > TheOnelectronic 10/02/2013 at 23:24

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Ahh, my friend, it's the same reason that purpose built taxi's aren't a thing in North America. It's almost entirely down to perception - that ubiquity isn't FREEDOM enough for the average citizen. Even though every cop car and cab was once a Ford Crown Victoria, it wasn't some evil uniform product because everyone chose it. We need to have the freedom to chose for ourselves, even if we chose the shittiest product possible.

Hay guis! I got an idea! Let's use Prius's's's's'iiiii for cabs!

Milky > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/02/2013 at 23:30

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Dodge. Because RWD and michigan winters. And fastest.

offroadkarter > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:31

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I can't say I really do. Also with that specific department, it'd probably screw me worse if I pulled the "I know a LEO, spare me" gag. That had to be the one cool cop on that dept, because he let me off with a warning for doing 68 in a 50 (some woman in a MDX tried to beat me to the merge LOL).

One of my friends is in the airforce reserves, and he came over my house on memorial day at like 2am to watch a movie with me. He got bagged by a LEO in my town running a trap (they always do) for 42 in a 25. He non-nonchalantly exposed his military ID when he pulled his license out, the cop noticed it, and let him off with a warning.

Lets Just Drive > Kailand09 10/02/2013 at 23:34

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My issues with the Dodge are basically three.

1.) Cost - It's too expensive all around to really replace the Crown Victoria in terms of budget expectations. While I hate to let budget dictate policy decisions which affect the tools available to our LEO's, I personally think that the Dodge is too expensive in comparison with it's rivals. This cost isn't just for initial purchase, but yearly maintenance, fuel consumption rates, insurance rates and repairs.

2.) Image - It's too fierce. That's my opinion, but I don't think that the police need intimidating equipment or tools to accomplish their jobs particularly those police operating in "the community". I'm not saying we give our LEO's a fleet of New Beetles because they are so friendly faced, but the Ford and the Chevy are both better at blending in, which is important even when the car is decal'd.

3.) AWD - The Ford is the only vehicle to offer all-wheel drive and in the modern policing climate I feel that AWD is a more useful platform in general use than rear wheel drive. The trade off; turning radius - which affects many urban police forces - isn't that great but, then again, neither the Chevy or the Dodge offer the smallest of turning circles anyway.

The advantages offered by the Dodge are obvious, however, and hard to refute. However, the Hemi is completely unwarranted. Why? Because if you examine the statistics, high speed pursuit is a very small part of policing. While a quick 0-60 time is important, neither the Ford or the Chevy are so slow that they'd suffer in terms of response times. It's a beast on fuel, too.

I'm going to create another thread, tonight or tomorrow, discussing police issue SUV's but for now my interest is primarily on sedans.

Milky > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:34

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Dodge ... can't deny the driven wheels and how its the fastest. Not to mention the looks.

Lets Just Drive > offroadkarter 10/02/2013 at 23:38

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I most assuredly did not race a police officer up to the posted speed limit of 50 km/h on three separate occasions at three separate lights. And then I didn't get a thumbs up and a compliment for "almost" beating him.

This wasn't the same officer I was speaking with at work one day who most assuredly was not in court for traffic with whom I did not discuss the legality of "speeding" to the maximum posted speed limit so long as there was neither spinning of wheels nor reckless driving.

Kailand09 > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:41

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Yeah, I completely agree with your points. I think the charger is fruitless in reality for a department to buy. It was just simply the best performing to my buddy, not the most practical. Definitely the power is almost never used - hence all the SUV's on the highways patrolling.

I'd probably go with the Ford myself, and that's what your locals use. Definitely gets tricky trying to pick them out of the crowd.

Lets Just Drive > Milky 10/02/2013 at 23:42

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My only issues are that being the fastest, looking the meanest and having rear-wheel drive aren't the primary requirements of a police vehicle. They are requirements of my personal vehicle, and probably yours too, but not for LEO's.

Primary concerns for LEO's are:

Interior Space - for officers and for the arrested.

Cargo Capacity - for lights, computers and guns!

Reliability - for turning over when needed, running well and being safe in an accident.

And from a departmental perspective:

Cost - for initial purchase and continued use.

Image - for community reaction.

Reliability - for repairs, storage and long term usage.

Now don't get me wrong, I like the Dodge a lot and from a motoring point of view it's a pretty solid choice. But from a purely police oriented point of view, it may not be the best choice available however, due to being pushed early and ahead of the other two, is the most common presently in use.

Lets Just Drive > Kailand09 10/02/2013 at 23:44

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I favor the Ford from a logistical and logical side.

I favor the Chevy or the Dodge from a passionate, illogical side.

offroadkarter > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:44

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I am most certain this scenario you mentioned did not take place, and had it actually taken place, it was theoretical, and theoretically located in mexico.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Milky 10/02/2013 at 23:49

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Yea because unweighted rear of a car in snow is awesome with rwd...

thebigbossyboss > Lets Just Drive 10/02/2013 at 23:52

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Man, if I had to talk to the police everyday I'd probably get tased. I am so incredibly on edge when the cops are around. Really skittish and jumpy, which is what they hate.

Lets Just Drive > thebigbossyboss 10/03/2013 at 00:07

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It all comes down to your experience, right?

I completely understand that. Furthermore, some police are terrible people. Sadly, it's the shitty cops that tend to color the whole fraternity and I can say with confidence that many, if not most, LEO's are actually pretty darn decent people.

You learn to look beyond the uniform. And the gun.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 00:31

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Not what you're really asking but I'm going to say it any ways: The Charger is the most intimidating police car around. My blood pressure probably doubles when I'm followed by a Charger in comparison to when I'm being followed by a Crown Vic or Impala.

Lets Just Drive > Tim (Fractal Footwork) 10/03/2013 at 00:33

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That, right there, is one of my biggest beefs with the Charger.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 01:09

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OOOOH!
how about a joint venture?
Crown Vic BOF construction, with the Chevy Plant and Tranny, Dodge Charger SRT-8 Brakes. Just put AMC badges on it, for more jaloppoints

Lets Just Drive > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 10/03/2013 at 01:13

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That's right, world.

Meet your new police car.

The most Jalopnik police car possible. Jalopcop.

Milky > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 01:13

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It is the most common?! I have not heard of these facts, and am quite happy with that. I gotta assume though any way you look at it it has got to be miles ahead of the crown vic (except for repairability).

Lets Just Drive > Milky 10/03/2013 at 01:15

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Actually, the only issue with the Crown Vic was fuel cost. That, and Ford wanting to end production. But, by and large, most of the officers I've spoken with would agree when I say that the best solution possible would be a modernization of the Crown Vic, still on the Panther.

Milky > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/03/2013 at 01:17

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.... no really it is.

True story, I was walking into a bar once with a group of people and a cop car drifted the snowy parking lot, blatantly. It shows they really do care, about brought a tear to my eye.

Milky > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 01:26

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Ahh ... well either way, my block walk to campus is right by a state police parking garage and station. That happens to be in Michigan and filled with chargers. So I'm happy with what was chosen.

Actually though, you might be a good person to ask. how do the officers all feel about SUV's? There are good number of Tahoe's here and in the smaller town I'm from, and I have yet to see a Explorer kitted out in police gear.

Tom McParland > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 06:07

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That makes sense

Firewrx234 > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 07:01

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To be honest my reasons, as a citizen, are pretty selfish. I like the Charger more bc I think the aggression helps keep the mundane and beige from taking over.

It also will help me in my future endeavors when I decide to buy a secondhand charger bc by then they will be cheaper, bc abundance of retired police cars, and their parts will be cheaper.

I personally think the aggressive looks help give the police a new, fresh identity. It doesn't need to make us fear it, but it's so fresh that it will leave an impression on the not-normally-car-enthusiast crowd of the future and help generate more beautiful cars.

I know it sounds weird but I have come to understand what the panther platform has done for us. It's borderline idolized and I wouldn't mind seeing this charger for another decade.

William Byrd > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 08:58

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Ford all the way. I recall it kicked everyone's ass in the Michgan performance competitions and to me it looks the best. Although all 3 are pretty awesome.

thebigbossyboss > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 09:31

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I do agree it is the shitty cops who colour the whole fraternity, and this is unfortunate.

Monty Robinson alone has had an egregious impact on the reputation of the BC RCMP.

Lets Just Drive > Firewrx234 10/03/2013 at 15:00

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Ultimately the aesthetic isn't as important as the vehicles cost and functionality. But because the Ford and Chevy are better in those key areas, I tend to favor them.

Lets Just Drive > William Byrd 10/03/2013 at 15:01

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It did very well but, knowing that, not one of the three preformed as well as expected as police vehicles, particularly for the cost.

Firewrx234 > Lets Just Drive 10/03/2013 at 15:47

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I thought you'd appreciate this report I found:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/…

It appears as though the Ford ended up last in their test. The Charger and Caprice were close but instrumentation and ease of controls gave them and edge also not to mention the mpgs they got out of the highest hp charger vs mpgs out of the highest hp Chevy and ford. Braking was narrow between all but definitively the winner was the Caprice.

The document was full of a lot of insight I hadn't considered.

Lets Just Drive > Firewrx234 10/03/2013 at 15:51

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I'll read that and get back to you.

Thanks!

ss_lump > Lets Just Drive 10/06/2013 at 21:35

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Caprice.

Because 6 liter V8, Aussie platform, and an overall length that is a whopping 8 inches longer than a G8.