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Police Car TourThe base vehicle is the Ford Crown Victoria with the standard "police" package of accessories. The cars arrive from the dealership in a very basic form. They have no light bar, radio, siren and other necessary equipment. The Police department's mechanic goes to work to make the vehicles ready for use. It takes about 40 hours to make a new vehicle road-ready for the Patrol Division.
Inside the vehicle is where much of the labor of outfitting a new police car really comes in. If you've seen the interior of a modern police cruiser, you know it is filled with hi-tech equipment and Shawnee is no exception. Each vehicle used for the Patrol Division and Traffic unit is equipped with virtually every tool required for law enforcement in the 21st century. All patrol vehicles have video cameras and recording equipment. Officers use the equipment to document traffic stops, various arrests, (especially driving-under-the-influence or D.U.I. arrests) contacts with suspects and any other situation that would benefit from being recorded. The video cameras help protect victims, suspects, citizens and officers. Also, videos are great evidence to bring into court if necessary. The cars also have radar units for speed enforcement. Some of these are moving radar systems that allow the officer to be mobile in the vehicle while still monitoring the traffic around him. Between the two front seats is a console that houses the police radio, scanner, lighting systems and controls for the siren and light bar. Just in front of the console is a mounting pedestal to hold the laptop computer that is fast becoming another piece of required equipment for police work. The Shawnee Police Department utilizes a computer system that allows officers to complete reports, update databases and perform other work functions without ever having to leave the vehicle! It's some real cutting-edge technology. The rear seat of the car is separated from the front by a metal dividing panel that protects the officer while transporting arrested persons and other passengers. The original equipment rear bench seat has been retrofitted with a two-piece molded plastic seat that is easier to keep clean. |
City of Shawnee Police Department Headquarters, 6535 Quivira, Shawnee, KS 66216
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The exterior of the car is painted the traditional black and white which
for years has been the standard for many large metropolitan police
departments, such as the Los Angeles Police Department. The roof of the
cars are fitted with the CODE 360® light bar which offers excellent
visibility and really gets motorists' attention. The custom designed door
and body graphics are applied by a local graphics company. Sirens are added
to the front push bars and antennas are mounted on the trunk and roof of
the vehicles.