Damon Mcknight
Australia's police car fleet has evolved over the years, from the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon to today's diverse range of unmarked and undercover vehicles. Unmarked police cars are used for traffic enforcement and special operations, while undercover vehicles are for covert operations, with plain-clothed officers driving everyday cars to blend in. In recent years, unmarked police cars have become harder to spot, with a shift towards imported, hybrid, and electric models. Queensland's fleet is now 70% hybrid, and NSW has deployed electric cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Unmarked cars may have subtle features like aerial bases, antennas, or number plate scanners, but undercover cars are intentionally nondescript to avoid detection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of car | Unmarked police cars are used for traffic enforcement and may be equipped with number plate scanners, speed detection, large antennas for communication, and lights. Undercover police cars are used for covert operations and are not equipped with traffic enforcement equipment. They are driven by plain-clothed officers and are chosen to blend in with regular traffic. |
| Models | Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Kona, BMW 530d, Chrysler 300 SRT, Toyota Camry, Subaru Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW X3 M40i, BMW M5 Competition, Kia Stinger, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Outback Sport XT, Kia EV6, Ford Ranger, MG HS PHEV, Sunbeam Roadster, Volvo XC90, Peugeot, Toyota Fortuner, LandCruiser, Subaru WRX |
| Colours | Unmarked police cars may be bright blue and white. |
| Other features | Unmarked cars may have aerials with the antenna detached or visible antennas. |
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What You'll Learn
Unmarked vs undercover
In Australia, unmarked and undercover police cars are used for covert operations and traffic law enforcement. While both types of vehicles are used to go undetected, there are some key differences between them.
Unmarked police cars are typically the same type of vehicle as marked police cars, such as Dodge Chargers, but without obvious police markings. These cars are still presented as official vehicles and may have police lights on or inside the car, municipal or exempt license plates, and common law enforcement equipment such as lights on the grille and side mirrors. Unmarked cars are used for traffic enforcement and to catch people speeding or running red lights. They are more widely used than undercover cars and are chosen for their safety and performance features.
Undercover police cars, on the other hand, are actively disguised to not look like police cars at all. They can be anything from a regular car to a sports car, a motorcycle, or a bike, and are chosen to blend in with the crowd or suit the mission. Undercover cars are typically used for sting operations, major investigations, or surveillance when anonymity is crucial. They are harder to spot than unmarked cars and are designed to navigate tricky situations where a standard police car might draw suspicion.
In Australia, police car models vary across states and territories and include electric, hybrid, and off-road vehicles. Some specific examples of unmarked and undercover police cars in Australia include the Toyota Fortuner, Holden Astra, Subaru Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW X3 M40i, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Hyundai Kona.
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History of Australian police cars
Australian police cars have evolved significantly over the decades, from the earliest days of the "horseless carriage" to the modern diverse fleet of today.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, horses and bicycles were the primary means of transportation for police in Australia. The first motorised police vehicles were introduced in the 1910s, with the New South Wales force acquiring its first car in 1912, a Sunbeam Roadster. Queensland's first motorised police vehicle was a modified horse-drawn carriage used as a prison van.
By 1915, the New South Wales force had added a motorcycle to its fleet, and by 1916, the benefits of modern transport were recognised, leading to an expansion of the motor vehicle fleet, including more motorcycles. In 1925, the then-Commissioner of Police, James Mitchell, toured the United States and Europe, studying other police services. As a result, the number of police motorcycles and cars in New South Wales increased significantly.
During the middle of the 20th century, the Australian car industry flourished, and police forces across the country began adopting locally built Holdens and Fords. The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon became the default choice for police forces nationwide, for both marked and unmarked cars.
However, with the discontinuation of these iconic models in 2016 and 2017, police forces had to seek alternative vehicles. Today, the Australian police fleet is diverse, including German, Japanese, and South Korean models. BMWs, particularly the 3-Series and 5-Series, are commonly used, as are Subaru Liberty and Nissan Pathfinder vehicles.
Police cars in Australia have also embraced new technology, with modern vehicles fitted with technical gadgets such as number-plate recognition systems and advanced camera systems. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards electric and hybrid vehicles, with New South Wales Police deploying electric cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Hyundai Kona for community engagement and testing purposes.
Undercover police vehicles are designed to blend in and not be easily identified as cop cars. They can range from everyday cars like Camrys to dual-cab utes, with radios and aerials well-hidden.
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How to spot an unmarked car
In Australia, unmarked police cars are used to police speeding and people breaking road rules covertly. They are distinct from 'undercover' police vehicles, which are used for covert operations and do not feature equipment for speed and traffic enforcement.
Unmarked police cars may blend in with regular traffic, but there are some ways to identify them. Here are some tips on how to spot an unmarked police car in Australia:
- Look for vehicles with antennas or aerials. Some unmarked police cars have been spotted with an antenna installed in the front windshield, or with the base of an aerial and a detached antenna. These can be subtle and hard to spot.
- Be aware of vehicles with number plate scanners or speed detection equipment. Unmarked police cars often have more traffic enforcement equipment than undercover vehicles.
- Look for visible lights around the number plates. Some unmarked police cars have been observed with small black cylinders on the sides, which may be sirens.
- Take note of particularly clean cars. Some people have noted that unmarked police cars tend to be cleaner than regular vehicles.
- Pay attention to specific makes and models. Unmarked police cars in Australia have been observed to include the Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat, BMW X3 M40i, Subaru Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Toyota Fortuner. However, keep in mind that these models may also be used by regular citizens, and unmarked police cars can vary.
Remember, while these tips may help you spot an unmarked police car, the vehicles are designed to blend in with regular traffic, so they may not always be easily identifiable.
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Current undercover car models
In Australia, undercover police vehicles are used for covert operations and are typically driven by plain-clothed officers. They are chosen for their ability to blend in with everyday traffic and are usually free of police markings, sirens, lights, and other traffic enforcement equipment.
Undercover police cars in Australia can vary widely and may include models such as the Toyota Camry, dual-cab utes, sedans, and SUVs. Some specific models that have been identified as undercover police vehicles in Australia include:
- Holden Astra
- Toyota Fortuner
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- BMW 3-Series and 5-Series
- Kia Stinger
- Volkswagen Passat
- BMW X3 M40i
- Subaru Liberty
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan
- Hyundai Kona
Australian police forces have also shown interest in electric and hybrid vehicles, with some states adopting these models into their fleets.
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Future of Australian police cars
The Australian police car fleet has evolved significantly over the years, from the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon to a diverse range of vehicles today. The future of Australian police cars promises further diversification and technological advancements.
In recent years, the Australian police fleet has witnessed a shift towards imported models, including German, Japanese, and South Korean makes and models. This shift has resulted in a more eclectic mix of vehicles, with a focus on efficiency and versatility. Hybrid and electric vehicles are increasingly being adopted by police forces across the country. Queensland's fleet, for example, is now approximately 70% hybrid, and nearly every state has introduced petrol-electric models for general duties.
Unmarked police cars, which blend in with regular traffic, have sparked debates about their effectiveness in road safety compared to marked police cars. Unmarked vehicles are often equipped with traffic enforcement equipment, such as number plate scanners and speed detection technology. They play a crucial role in covert operations and are chosen for their safety, braking, handling, and ability to carry the required equipment.
Undercover police vehicles, on the other hand, are used for covert operations and are not typically outfitted with the same level of traffic enforcement equipment as unmarked cars. These vehicles are chosen for their inconspicuousness and ability to blend in with the target group being investigated.
Looking ahead, it is evident that the Australian police fleet will continue to embrace a diverse range of vehicles. Electric and hybrid models are likely to become more prevalent as law enforcement agencies explore sustainable alternatives. The use of advanced technology, such as number plate recognition systems, will also shape the future of police vehicles, enhancing their capabilities and operational effectiveness.
As Australian police forces adapt to changing requirements and technological advancements, the future of police cars promises continued innovation, with a focus on performance, sustainability, and the utilisation of cutting-edge technology.
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Frequently asked questions
Undercover cop cars are vehicles used by Australian police officers who are working on covert operations. They are typically everyday cars that are inconspicuous and do not have police markings, equipment, or modifications that would identify them as cop cars. They are chosen to blend in with regular traffic and suit the specific operation or mission.
The types of cars used by undercover cops in Australia vary widely and can include various makes and models of everyday vehicles. Some reported examples include the Toyota Camry, Holden Astra, Kia Stinger, Volkswagen Passat, BMW 3-Series and 5-Series, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Fortuner.
Spotting an undercover cop car in Australia can be challenging as they are designed to blend in with regular traffic. However, some possible indicators include the presence of police equipment such as radios, antennas, or number plate scanners, or subtle modifications like detached antennas or tinted windows. Additionally, certain makes and models may be associated with undercover police use, such as the Volkswagen Passat and BMW in certain areas.
