IRVINE, CA (January 4, 2013): The Irvine Police Department will publicly present its new police car on Tuesday, January 8. The vehicle will be displayed in the Civic Center’s piazza for members of the community and media from 1:00 p.m. until the end of the City Council Meeting Tuesday evening. The new version of the Ford Police Interceptor replaces the iconic Crown Victoria police sedan which was phased out of production by the Ford Motor Company last year. The police car will not only have a new look but will also feature enhancements in design improving safety and function. However, Irvine’s distinctive color scheme and graphics will remain unchanged as the new vehicles are folded into the existing fleet over the next three years.
Last fall, the Irvine Police Department rolled out its last Crown Victoria and began planning to convert the fleet over to the new model. Irvine’s police cars are converted for patrol use by City personnel one at a time, as each vehicle reaches the end of its useful life.
Over a year ago, a committee of Irvine officers and technicians began the process of selecting the new vehicle to replace the out-going Crown Victoria. They researched and tested several vehicles before making a recommendation. The final decision was based on many factors but one of the most important was the vehicle’s payload capacity. The committee’s research showed that the larger of the two Police Interceptor models would best serve Irvine’s needs based on the volume of additional equipment required to outfit the cars for patrol use. The Police Interceptor was also the best suited to accommodate the varying statures of Irvine’s officers, many of who of whom would feel right at home in an NBA team photo.
Consideration was also given to the vehicle’s impressive specifications. Without giving up any of the Crown Victoria’s interior room, and with better handling and safety features, Ford estimates the new 304 horsepower, 3.7 liter, V6 Police Interceptor will achieve 20% better fuel mileage than its 4.6 liter, V8, predecessor. Additional features include, all-wheel drive, Advance Trac (roll stability control), police tuned suspension, police calibrated powertrain, heavy-duty wheels & tires and seats designed for duty belts and ease of officers repeatedly getting in and out.
Irvine Police Personnel will be on hand while the vehicle is on display to demonstrate the equipment and answer questions.
Additional equipment in each vehicle:
- Emergency lighting equipment
- Trunk mounted laptop with interior mounted keyboard and display
- Two radio units for Irvine and countywide communications
- First aid/lifesaving supplies and personal protective equipment
- Multiple weapon systems and security racks
- Security cage for arrestees (stab-proof & escape resistant)
- Camera system and monitor
- Trunk dividers to support issued and personal equipment
- Modified center console to house controls for lights, radios, and computers
- Specially designed back seats
- Approximately 40-100 pounds of the personal supplies and equipment carried by officers
- Crime and traffic scene supplies
Additional equipment in most vehicles:
- Spike Strips
- Ballistic shields
- Handheld rams
- Radar/Lojack/ETS equipment
IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000 www.irvinepd.org
"Working In Partnership with the Community"
INTEGRITY - QUALITY SERVICE - ACCOUNTABILITY - RESPECT
The City of Irvine has a population of more than 212,000, spans 65 square miles and is recognized as one of America's safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine's enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.cityofirvine.org.