NCJ Number
190830
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 41-44
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the process of selecting patrol vehicles for a police fleet.
Abstract
Ensuring that the best patrol vehicles are selected requires having the right people involved in specification and selection, an accurate assessment of the needs of the agency and its officers, and development of specifications that reflect the agency's needs. Input into the selection process should come from the fleet manager; Uniform Services and Patrol Division supervisors; personnel from the Communications Unit; and those involved with equipment installation, maintenance, and repair. Agencies should consider only vehicles that are specially prepared by the manufacturers to provide the necessary durability, comfort, and performance. Determination of patrol vehicle specifications should consider: (1) the population and traffic density in the patrol area; (2) the type of patrol area (surface streets vs freeway); (3) departmental policies, e.g., non-pursuit policies; (4) patrol modes, such as one- vs two-officer patrols; (5) the amount of electronic gear that must be installed in the vehicle; (6) the intended uses of the vehicle while on patrol; and (7) type and level of performance required.