After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!
policeblotter_600.gif

Vancouver police launch new police cars

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is replacing its old Ford Crown Victoria for a new, much more efficient and cutting-edge ride, according to a press release sent to Vancouver Observer by the VPD.

Here's more from the press release:

The Vancouver Police Department is beginning to replace its aging fleet. When Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria, the VPD had to look for something new. As well, the graphics presently on the VPD cars are not compatible with other vehicles, so a new design was also required.

The selection process involved determining what was need in a VPD patrol vehicle and then tendering a Request for Expressions of Interest. Vehicles were shortlisted and evaluated within the field by patrol officers, as well as Engineering and Equipment Services within the City.

The winning vehicle was the Dodge Charger, with the highly efficient 3.6-litre engine. It will also feature new safety features, such as cutting-edge emergency lighting and a “rumbler” siren, which projects a deep baritone burst to further gain attention at those critical moments.

The new Dodge fleet will be equipped with an idle-management program to reduce engine idle time while continuing to power the electronics and emergency equipment when the vehicle is on-scene at an emergency.

Replacing 176 full-size Ford Crown Victorias with the more efficient Dodge Charger will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 25%. It will also reduce patrol fleet emissions by approximately 660 tonnes (32% reduction) per year when the fleet replacement is completed in 2017.


VPD Fleet at a Glance

  • the Vancouver Police patrol fleet is composed of 176 vehicles, which are predominantly Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors, both marked and unmarked
  • the average age of the patrol fleet is 5.5 years
  • the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors were discontinued by Ford in April
  • 61 patrol vehicles are due for replacement by end of 2013
  • replacement was delayed to take advantage of new, more environmentally friendly, purpose-built technologies
  • entire patrol fleet of 176 due for replacement by 2017

More in Police Blotter

Fatal motorcycle collision on SW Marine Drive

The 13th traffic-related fatality of the year took place last night.

After downtown stabbing this afternoon, police hunt for suspect

Police are currently looking for a 36 year old woman after a stabbing in downtown Vancouver this afternoon. Shortly before 1:00 pm, the suspect allegedly stabbed another woman near the corner of...

IRIT recommends charges against 350th suspected rioter

The Integrated Riot Investigation Team (IRIT) is fulfilling its promise to charge 350 suspected rioters by the end of the summer. This morning, IRIT investigators announced that they have requested...
Speak up about this article on Facebook or Twitter. Do this by liking Vancouver Observer on Facebook or following us @Vanobserver on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.