Police Vehicle Evaluation Model Year 2013

• NCJ Number: 240694
• Author(s): Debbie Schrauben; Jim Flegel
• Date Published: December 2012
• Length: 117 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Statistics

Annotation

This report presents the results of the Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team's evaluation of 13 police vehicles and four motorcycles for the 2013 model year.

Abstract

The vehicles were tested for dynamics; acceleration, top speed, and brakes; ergonomics and communications; and fuel economy. The report also includes a performance comparison between 2012 and 2013 police vehicles. The vehicles tested are the Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 (3.6L and 6.0 L); Chevrolet impala 9C1; Chevrolet Tahoe PPV 2WD; Dodge Charger (2.65, 3.07, 2.65, and 3.06); and Ford Police Interceptor (FWD, AWD, AWD EcoBoost, AWD, and Utility AWD). The motor cycles tested are the BMW R 1200 RTP, Harley-Davidson Electra Guide FLHTP, Harley-Davidson Road King FLHP, and Victory Commander 1. The features and specifications for each type of vehicle are reported, and photos of vehicle exteriors and interiors are provided. The testing of vehicle dynamics addressed the vehicle's high-speed pursuit or emergency response handling characteristics and performance compared to the other vehicles in the test group. Acceleration and top speed testing determined the ability of each test vehicle to accelerate from a standing start to 60 mph, 80 mph, and 100 mph, as well as the distance to reach 110 mph and 120 mph. The brake testing determined the deceleration rate attained by each test vehicle on twenty 60 - 0 full ABS stops. The ergonomics and communications testing determined whether the vehicle interior provided a suitable environment for the patrol officer in the performance of his/her assigned tasks, as well as its capacity to accommodate the required communications and emergency warning equipment; the relative difficulty of such installations was also evaluated. All testing methods are described in detail. The 2012 and 2013 models are compared for dynamics, acceleration, top; speed and braking. Extensive tables and figures