Police Patrol Vehicles Comparative Evaluation Program
The purchase of patrol vehicles is one of the largest expenditures that a law enforcement agency faces. For many years, police fleet administrators have had numerous choices to make when choosing a vehicle, including overall vehicle size, engine and transmission combinations and other performance-enhancing options, all of which can affect the overall capabilities of the vehicle. To further complicate the selection process, the environment (e.g., urban, suburban, rural) that the agency operates in can also play a significant role.
Every year since 1981, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) (originally known as the Technology Assessment Program Information Center), has partnered with the Michigan State Police (MSP) to conduct this annual evaluation.
In the mid-1970s, MSP, as part of its annual vehicle procurement process, developed an evaluation program for police patrol vehicles. Under the program, manufacturers wishing to be considered for selection submit their vehicles, equipped to MSP performance specifications, for testing. MSP evaluates factors such as acceleration, top speed, braking and handling under simulated pursuit conditions. MSP also evaluates and rates the vehicles for factors such as ergonomics and ease of equipment installation.
Patrol Vehicle tests for the 2009 model year were conducted by MSP from Sept. 19-22, 2008. A total of 13 vehicles were evaluated.
2009 Model Year Police Vehicle Evaluation
For a copy of AutoBid®, a tool designed to help police fleet administrators select the patrol vehicle best suited to the needs of their department, click here.
Previous Year Evaluations:
2008 Model Year Police Vehicle Evaluation
To review addition older model year police vehicle evaluation reports go to:
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123--16274--,00.html
Contact
NLECTC
Alex Sundstrom, Testing Coordinator
Tel: (800) 248-2742
rsundstrom@nlectc.org
Last Updated: Aug. 27, 2009