NCJ Number
78761
Date Published
1979
Length
146 pages
Annotation
Data for purchasers, users, manufacturers, and researchers of police patrol cars are provided in this document, which gives the results of the 1980 Police Patrol Vehicle Evaluation and Purchasing Program.
Abstract
Test results for both full-size and mid-size patrol vehicles are provided. The evaluation of the full-size patrol vehicles identified the Plymouth Gran Fury as the top scorer. As indicated on the competitive patrol vehicle evaluation, the Gran Fury was also the low bidder and will be purchased in 1980. The Chevrolet Malibu 305 accumulated the highest score in the mid-size patrol vehicle evaluation. However, after the bid adjustment, the Plymouth Volare 318 was determined to be the adjusted mid-size low bidder. The document contains vehicle specifications, vehicle hardware descriptions, and a list of testing equipment. Most of the document consists of competitive evaluation results in the areas of vehicle dynamics; acceleration, top speed, and braking; ergonomics; communications; and fuel economy. The weighting, scoring, and dollar conversion methodologies are provided, and final raw scores for full-size and mid-sized vehicles are presented. Competitive patrol vehicle evaluation results are also provided, and police vehicle manufacturers' brochures are appended. Charts and diagrams are included. (Author abstract modified)