NCJ Number
206105
Date Published
October 1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center for the Michigan State Police in order to test 1997 patrol vehicles.
Abstract
The National enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), provides law enforcement agencies with practical information on equipment and technology. These agencies help those under them to maximize their budgets, ensure reliability of product performance, and safeguard their employees. The advancements that emerge from the annual Michigan State Police Patrol Vehicle Tests validate the success of these efforts. The objective of testing the police vehicles is to determine their high-speed pursuit handling characteristics. The 1.635-mile road racing course contains hills, curves, and corners; except for the absence of traffic, it simulates actual pursuit conditions. The evaluation measures each vehicle's blending of suspension components, acceleration capabilities, and braking characteristics. Each vehicle is driven at least 12 timed laps by at least 3 drivers. The final score is the average of the fastest of the nine timed laps. All vehicles are also tested to determine acceleration, the acceptability of the vehicle's braking performance, the vehicle's suitability for the officer to do their job, and the vehicle's fuel economy potential. All test results are published in tables within the study. 7 Tables