Lots more cool cop cars here: http://www.coolcarsandgirls.com/2008/10/police-cars.html
Posted on 07/20/2010 9:52:39 AM PDT by llevrok
Lakewood police are refurbishing some of their squad cars rather than buying new ones, a decision that could save the city $15,000 per upgraded car and help the vehicles handle better on the street.
“For such a simple idea, it is really paying dividends,” said Assistant Police Chief Michael Zaro. “So far it’s been successful in saving us a lot of money, and we’re supporting a local business.”
The department has about 60 Ford Crown Victorias patrolling the streets. About 30 could be eligible to be refurbished, depending on their mileage and wear. New models will replace the other cars in the department’s fleet 101 as they’re retired.
A new Ford Crown Victoria costs about $30,000 and could run up to $35,000. It costs between $16,000 and $18,000 to spruce one up.
“We’re saving (money) but we’re putting a safer car out as well,” said Paul Deskins, owner of Lakewood-based Systems of Public Safety Inc. “These perform better than a new car.”
For six years, Deskins’ company has done routine maintenance on the department’s fleet but now is adding more power and panache to some of the Crown Victorias, which usually tally more than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
The vehicles eventually will get a remanufactured Ford transmission and engine with 269 horsepower, an energy efficient LED light bar, performance suspension, overhauled brakes, a new steering wheel and driver’s seat and 17-inch pursuit tires.
The paint and graphics also will be touched up.
“They’re peppier,” said Terry Neumann, the city’s fleet maintenance coordinator. “They’re quicker off the line and that makes a difference in the officers’ getting there.”
Police rolled out their first overhauled car in April and three more have been refurbished since then. By the end of the year, another 10 are to be outfitted with the custom performance package.
The work, which takes two weeks to complete, should allow the squad cars to stay in service for another four years or 100,000 miles.
Officer Paul Osness is driving the first overhauled car. He said the refurbished model handles better, has a shorter stopping distance, stronger suspension and is better at accelerating from low speeds.
“So far I am really happy with this car,” Osness said. “It’s a very reliable vehicle.”
The idea to fix up worn-down cars rather than retire them has been floated for nearly two years. During that time, Deskins worked with officer Ronald Owens on perfecting a combination of equipment to put in the squad cars.
Owens, a NASCAR junkie who loved tinkering on cars, eagerly volunteered to use his take-home cruiser as a test mule.
After Owens and three other officers were shot to death Nov. 29 in a Parkland coffee shop Deskins dubbed the performance package SPS 404 CVPI because the fallen officer’s car number was 404.
“It’s just a great honor,” said Ronda LeFrancois, Owens’ sister. “His daughter will know how much he contributed to society.”
Owens’ memory also is being honored in other ways through the newly outfitted fleet.
The number 404 has been inscribed on various parts being put in the refurbished vehicles and Owens’ personal motto – “Making A Difference” – is being emblazoned on the back left panel of the squad cars.
The new motto will added to other marked patrol cars as they are replaced.
Officers driving the overhauled cruisers have logged no complaints and Deskins is running tests to gather specific data on perceived improvements in gas mileage and performance.
“We take it to a whole other level and when it leaves here, it’s performing like a true police car,” Deskins said.
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/07/20/1269931/new-pep-power-for-squad-cars.html#ixzz0uF3cpbki
WA state ping
What a concept...repair instead of replace.
Only gov’t could think of this as a breakthrough achievement.
RIP Officer Owens.
All cops deserve the best tools. Lakewood especially so!
Don’t these vehicles qualify as clunkers under the stimulus plan? Shoosh, this will cost how many union jobs. Methinks this municipality is due for a visit by UAW Vinnie and Jawbreaker.
Lots more cool cop cars here: http://www.coolcarsandgirls.com/2008/10/police-cars.html
That would be the Chrysler-made cop cars (llevrok starting a car war in 10-9-8-7-.....)
LOL!
For years, the cops in my town drove - get this - Volvos.
I was talking to one recently, and he rmarked that they couldn’t outrun a ten-speed bike.
Don Beyer owned the Volvo dealership in town (Former VA LT Gov)
Hmmm. Bet they would have preferred the ride you have pictured.
"Hummer"?
“...an energy efficient LED light bar” What? Why?
“I was talking to one recently, and he rmarked that they couldn’t outrun a ten-speed bike.”
###
Underpowered, but oh so “smart” and “hip”.
If that was the MILSPEC version tricked out, I would be impressed.
The civilian versions are junk.
EG, look at the tires - one good rock, and you bust not just a tire, but the wheel.
Flashy trash.
That is characteristic of Falls Church.
I agree.
And the door says “County She” when open.
LOL - I missed that. Fitting.
check you FReepmail.
You know, the “you” for “your” error is so common, I sight read them both as the same.
“...an energy efficient LED light bar” What? Why?
A more efficient light bar means less electrical draw, meaning you can get by with a smaller, lighter battery, less draw on the alternator (better mileage), and so on. They’re also typically lower profile, so less drag at highway speeds and again, better mileage.
The biggest advantage of the LED bars is aerodynamic. They are very low profile and increase fuel economy.
The biggest advantage of the LED bars is aerodynamic.
The vehicles eventually will get a remanufactured Ford transmission and engine with 269 horsepower.
LOL
Sorta like - whatsamatter you?
whattsamatta you, hey
itsa nica place, hey
aw shuttupa you face
whaddya want, a rubber bicuit?
I swear to G-d they have gotten waaaaaaaay out of hand with the damn light bars. The damn things are so frackin’ bright at night you can see the damn things from the surface of the moon and they blind motorists unlucky enough to just be on the road and trying to get home. Cheese and rice they need to limit those freakin things to something like 5 billion candle watt power or they won’t stop until they’re putting on a Pink Floyd laser light show everytime they pull someone over for doing a couple miles over the speed limit. It’s ridiculous.
I’m glad to know that. Thanks.
Talk about being late to the party. My county, in Washington state, has been doing this for about 15 years.
Actually the biggest advantage (or disadvantage, depending on your perspective) is that they're so low profile they do not appear obvious when a cop pulls into your rear view mirror.
Say WA? Evergreen State ping
Quick link: WA State Board
FReepmail sionnsar if you want on or off this ping list.
Ping sionnsar if you see a Washington state related thread.
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