When you think of tools police use in the course of their job, you might think of handcuffs or a badge. But an officer's vehicle may be their most important asset. Our Kat De Maria checks out two new models hitting the market.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Police officers demand a lot from the vehicles they drive.
"Number one, safety. Then the ability to respond in a timely fashion. They need a vehicle that they can have a clear view of things outside, something that's going to keep them concealed when they need to be concealed," said Oneida County Undersheriff Robert Swenszkowski.
More than a mode of transportation, though, police cruisers also serve as mobile offices.
"You have computers, areas for reports. You need an area to hold someone who may be arrested or detained or transported for their own safety, weapons in the vehicle. You need vehicles that can accommodate canines at times," Swenszkowski said.
Only a few companies make police cars. A spokesperson for Ford says hers led the market for decades with the Crown Victoria, which has been retired. Replacing it are the new Police Interceptor sedan and SUV, both available with compatible parts and all wheel drive.
"We're giving them the safety of that of a Crown Vic, with 75 mile an hour rear end crash, we're giving them the durability the administrators and fleet managers want because these have to live the life cycle of a Crown Vic and we're giving them the performance," said spokesperson Lisa Teed.
The new Interceptors have the latest technology, including features that allow officers to focus less on driving and more on their job.
"If you're, say, taking a corner too hard, the all wheel drive is responsive where it may brake on one side, accelerate on the other to compensate for the way you're operating the vehicle," Swenszkowski said.
The police interceptors are already in production and being ordered by and delivered to departments. And if Ford has its way, they'll be the ones you'll come to know when you see them in your rear view mirror or coming to your aid.