Omari Gates
Australian police cars are modified to meet the requirements of the police force. The modifications include upgraded electrical systems, heavy-duty wiring, additional ports and plugs, and a backup battery to power the extra equipment. The lighting array needs to be easily fitted to various parts of the car, including the roof, rear window, and front grille. Police cars in Australia have traditionally been locally manufactured by brands like Ford, Holden, Chrysler, and Toyota. However, with the end of local car manufacturing, police forces are now considering imported vehicles, such as the Volvo XC90, Subaru WRX, and BMW 5 Series, while also exploring the use of hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, there have been discussions about introducing American muscle cars like the Dodge Charger, but these require modifications to convert them to right-hand drive for Australian roads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of a police car | $120,000 |
| Cost of a basic rear-drive V6 | $100,000 |
| Engine | 6.0-litre V8 |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Modifications | Heavy-duty wiring, additional ports and plugs, backup battery, lighting array on the roof, rear window and front grille |
| Safety | Tough steel wheels designed to handle kerb strikes, bigger brakes |
| Seating | Accommodates big-bodied cops wearing bulky uniforms |
| States | Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Perth |
| Models | Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Territory, Toyota Camry, Kia Stinger, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo XC90, Subaru WRX, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger Pursuit |
| Undercover vehicles | Modified Harley, tradie Ute, BMW cop bike, Hyundai Sonata |
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What You'll Learn
- Australian police car models are modified on Holden's production line in South Australia
- Police cars in Australia are transitioning from Australian-made to fully imported vehicles
- The Dodge Charger Pursuit is an American police car with an Australian twist, converted to right-hand drive
- The process of selecting future highway patrol cars is thorough and ongoing, with safety and performance standards to meet
- Undercover Australian police cars are designed to blend in and gather intelligence
Australian police car models are modified on Holden's production line in South Australia
James Alexander Holden immigrated to South Australia from Staffordshire, England, in 1852. He established a saddlery and leather goods business in King William Street, Adelaide, in 1859, naming his company J.A. Holden & Co. The company initially built horse-drawn carriages and began manufacturing car bodies in 1917.
Holden has a history of producing cars for the Australian market, including police car models. Holden ceased operations in Adelaide on 20 October 2017, with the last vehicle, a Holden Commodore, rolling off the line on the same day. The Holden Elizabeth Plant in Elizabeth, Adelaide, South Australia, was Holden's main assembly facility, producing vehicles such as the Commodore and its ute derivative.
Holden's police cars have been a significant part of law enforcement in Australia, with their locally produced large six- and eight-cylinder cars serving as the top-selling vehicles for highway patrol use. Holden's association with Chevrolet and Pontiac ended in 1968, and since then, they have continued to produce a range of cars and commercial vehicles for the Australian market.
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Police cars in Australia are transitioning from Australian-made to fully imported vehicles
Australian police cars are typically fitted with various technical modifications, such as number-plate recognition systems and radios, to ensure peak performance and safety for the officers. The vehicles are also tested to meet rigorous standards for operational use.
In recent years, police forces in Australia have been transitioning from Australian-made to fully imported vehicles. This shift has been influenced by the loss of locally manufactured options, such as the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, which were once popular choices for law enforcement agencies. With the discontinuation of these models, police departments have had to explore alternative options to meet their fleet requirements.
One example of this transition is the Queensland Police Service, which has utilized the Kia Stinger as a Highway Patrol car. However, with the Kia Stinger's production potentially ending soon, they are now considering other options, including the Dodge Charger Pursuit. The Charger Pursuit is an American police cruiser that has been modified for Australian use by SCD Remanufactured, a company based in Queensland that specializes in converting left-hand drive vehicles to right-hand drive. While the Charger Pursuit offers high performance and police-specific features, its left-hand drive configuration and lack of direct manufacturer support present challenges for its adoption.
Other imported vehicles that have been adopted by Australian police forces include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volkswagen Passat. These vehicles offer a range of performance and luxury features that meet the diverse needs of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, electric vehicles are also being explored, with NSW Police trialing the all-electric Hyundai Kona in 2021 for its fleet. This transition to imported and electric vehicles showcases the evolving nature of police car fleets in Australia, adapting to new technologies and market changes to ensure their vehicles are fit for purpose.
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The Dodge Charger Pursuit is an American police car with an Australian twist, converted to right-hand drive
The Dodge Charger Pursuit is an iconic American police car. Built in Ontario, Canada, it is designed with the specific requirements of police work in mind. It features tough steel wheels that can withstand kerb strikes, bigger brakes, and spacious seats that accommodate officers in bulky uniforms. The Charger Pursuit also offers a choice of powerful V6 or V8 engines, with the V6 engine delivering 223kW of power and 357Nm of torque, while the 5.7-litre V8 engine pumps out an impressive 275kW and 535Nm.
In Australia, the Dodge Charger Pursuit has undergone a transformation to fit the country's unique specifications. Queensland, in particular, required a right-hand drive configuration, which was expertly executed by SCD Remanufactured, a Brisbane-based company specializing in converting left-hand drive vehicles. This conversion process, involving approximately 200 man-hours per car, ensures that the Charger Pursuit seamlessly adapts to the Australian driving experience.
The Charger Pursuit's arrival in Australia sparked interest from various police agencies, who were keen to test drive the modified vehicles. Despite the excitement, the proposal faced challenges as Dodge's head office in the US distanced itself from the private importer, SCD Remanufactured Vehicles. Dodge asserted that they did not endorse the conversion process and could not guarantee the safety of the modified cars.
Despite the setback, the Dodge Charger Pursuit with its Australian twist represents a unique blend of American muscle and Australian practicality. The right-hand drive conversion showcases the adaptability of this iconic police car to meet the diverse needs of law enforcement agencies around the world.
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The process of selecting future highway patrol cars is thorough and ongoing, with safety and performance standards to meet
Australian police cars are modified to meet safety and performance standards. The process of selecting future highway patrol cars is rigorous and ongoing, and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the vehicle must be able to accommodate the necessary equipment for a highway patrol car. This includes an upgraded electrical system with heavy-duty wiring, additional ports and plugs, and a backup battery. The lighting array, which typically includes lights on the roof, rear window, and front grille, must also be easily fitted. The vehicle must also have sufficient seating capacity for four people, including two officers in the front and space in the back for persons of interest.
Another critical aspect is safety. With the discontinuation of local car manufacturing, police forces are transitioning to fully imported vehicles. However, this presents challenges, especially regarding safety standards and conversion processes. For example, the introduction of American muscle cars like the Dodge Charger as police vehicles in Australia faced concerns over the safety of converting right-hand drive vehicles to left-hand drive, which is the standard in Australia.
The selection process also considers the performance and capabilities of the vehicles. This includes evaluating the engine size, transmission, and overall performance to ensure the cars can handle the diverse requirements of a highway patrol car. This can range from creating road diversions and escorting large loads to attending crash sites and crime scenes.
The cost of the vehicles and modifications is also a factor. Police cars are often equipped with extensive equipment, contributing to a higher price tag. Additionally, some vehicles may require significant modifications to meet standards, such as the $10,000 brake modifications needed by one brand during testing.
Overall, the process of selecting future highway patrol cars in Australia is meticulous and ongoing to ensure that the chosen vehicles meet the necessary safety and performance standards while also being cost-effective and capable of fulfilling the diverse roles of a highway patrol car.
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Undercover Australian police cars are designed to blend in and gather intelligence
Australian police cars are generally modified to meet the requirements of frontline operations. This includes fitting the cars with technical gadgets such as number-plate recognition systems and radios, as well as testing for peak performance and safety.
Undercover Australian police cars are designed with a different purpose in mind: to blend in and gather intelligence. These vehicles are chosen to be inconspicuous and resemble everyday cars driven by regular people. For instance, in Perth, an undercover police car may be disguised as a grubby tradie Ute with ladders and paint buckets, or a Hilux work mate with a canopy. In Melbourne, an undercover police car may be disguised as an unmarked, all-black, tinted-out BMW 5 Series or a Holden Astra with an incar radio mounted under the seat and no visible aerials.
The choice of undercover vehicle depends on the nature of the operation. For instance, when going undercover with Bikies, police officers may use a modified Harley instead of an unmarked BMW cop bike. Similarly, when targeting street racers, they might opt for a vehicle that matches the performance capabilities of the cars they are pursuing.
The placement of undercover police cars is also strategic. They are often positioned on the side of the road in specific spots like near roundabouts, long service roads, back roads, and near traffic lights, avoiding locations where people typically park.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian police cars are modified to include features such as upgraded electrical systems, heavy-duty wiring, additional ports and plugs, and a backup battery. The lighting array is also modified to be fitted to various points on the car, including the roof, rear window, and front grille.
Australian police forces use a range of vehicles, including the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Camry, Kia Stinger, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volkswagen Passat.
Safety and performance standards, seating capacity, and the ability to meet the requirements of a mobile command post are all factors considered when selecting police vehicles in Australia.
One unique consideration for Australian police car modifications is the need to convert vehicles to right-hand drive, as Australia drives on the left side of the road. This conversion process can create challenges related to safety and regulatory compliance.
