Street Survivors
The Big Three American automakers are offering more safety and performance options for their police car models. The Chevrolet 9C1 Impala Police Package is unique in that it was originally designed for both police and civilian use and therefore offers the same safety features for both–four-wheel ABS with heavy-duty front pads and driver, front passenger, and driver’s side-impact air bags.
To satisfy the demand for large, powerful rear-wheel drive vehicles, Chevy also offers a Police Tahoe designed for severe-duty law enforcement.
The Dodge Intrepid, introduced in 2002, is the newest pursuit vehicle option available to police departments, and the fastest, according to the Michigan State Police. The Intrepid has a 242-horsepower V-6 engine that boasts a Low Emission Vehicle rating, ABS and dual front air bags.
Ford’s Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, the most popular of its kind with 85 percent of the police car market, also rates with its competitors in terms of performance and safety features. The Crown Vic differs in that it offers rear-wheel drive and Ford’s Personal Safety System to provide more occupant protection in case of a crash.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Police (03/04) Vol. 28, No. 2, P. 32; Kariya, Mark .