Exciting changes are coming to the NYPD! The department is moving away from less fuel-efficient vehicles.
On Thursday, officers introduced a new fleet consisting of 140 hybrid SUVs designed for optimum fuel efficiency and equipped with innovative “perimeter alert” technology to enhance officer safety against potential ambushes.
The brand new white Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, each valued at around $50,000, come with advanced features aimed at improving police operations in New York City, according to Steven Ciregna, executive director of the NYPD’s fleet services division.
“Our main focus is on ensuring safety for both our officers and the public,” Ciregna stated during the unveiling at Floyd Bennett Field. “These vehicles come with what’s known as the police perimeter alert.”
This system utilizes onboard sensors that monitor a 270-degree area to the sides and rear of the vehicle, alerting officers to potential threats or individuals approaching the car.
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Additionally, these SUVs include a “manual pursuit mode button” that allows officers to optimize driving performance during urgent situations, as explained on the manufacturer’s website.
On the same day, an officer demonstrated the new SUV’s capabilities at Floyd Bennett Field, showcasing its improved maneuverability and braking during high-speed pursuits.
These new vehicles also come with a “dark car mode,” enabling officers to easily turn off all internal lights and dim the dashboard, keeping both themselves and the vehicle less visible during sensitive operations.
In terms of efficiency, these hybrids consume approximately 35% less fuel compared to the previous cars used by the department, as noted by Ciregna.
Additional safety features include crash avoidance technology, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, all essential for operations in busy urban settings like NYC.
The department has also upgraded its fleet with new tow trucks and Emergency Service Unit vehicles, Ciregna mentioned.
