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I actually suport the idea. Perhaps a few smaller SUV's as well. But the all wheel or 4 wheel drive would better equip the police to handle emregencies in inclimate whetaher, and those that happen off of paved roads. Not to mention the extra space, reslae value etc.
Better yet, combine Wies's goals of getting the po-po in better shape and upgrading the fleets. Strap some of the more girthy officers in front of wagons so they can pull them and have wagons with ample storage space
That said, is well made. I can understand leaving the engine to run during actual police activity (even as the vehicle idles), but does it need to be left running during lunches and breaks???
That actually fits quite well with this recent story:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/861214,CST-N...
Forget about MPG for just a second. Think about simple things like brake rotors, tires, fuel pumps, spark plugs, shocks, alternators...the list goes on and on. Ford Crown Victoria parts are DIRT cheap and can be easily obtained. However, because the Tahoe is a truck based SUV replacements tires will be larger, the alternator will be heavy duty, the shocks will be larger to support a 4x4 truck/SUV. All of these parts are way more expensive than a run of the mill Ford family sedan.
If the Chicago PD wanted a few of Tahoes or Yukons in the fleet then I say go for it. But to make it the standard issue vehicle for the entire police force doesn't make much sense to me and sounds like a pricey proposition.
Our own Illinois State Police are suffering under this situation in what is one of the most unconscionable actions of the entire Blagojevich nightmare.
The Hybrid Tahoe has just come to market and Chevy has said that it will not be sold, at least initially, for police use because it has not been tested under that type of usage.
I agree that the fleet could be split into two or three vehicle types; the Ford Taurus (not the old ugly jellybean one-the one that was the 500 before they changed the name) or the Dodge Charger are two sedans available with AWD that could be used for the brass or other non-patrol officers. The Charger (in RWD form) and the FWD) Chevy Impala are already in police service in quite a few departments.
Someone could make a nice chunk of change if they could figure out a way to run the lights/radio/mdt, etc on battery or aux power. All those things except the headlights don't suck as much juice as they used to, but any battery has its limitations.
Buy 1/4 fleet Ford Crown Vics; 1/4 Tahoes; 1/4 Chevy Impalas & 1/4 something else [SUV]. Keep track of total repair/mileage etc costs and listen to the guys working in them: 6'6" cops don't fit well in new Impalas + might increase workman comp claims + bad attitudes. Small young traffic cops might not like cornering/handling of the SUVs... test & adapt.
A stunning increase in operating costs. While you may want to consider other vehicles, why not put an Equinox based SUV in the mix.
Newer squad cars, yes, but this is over the top. Hybrid will cost twice what a Crown Vic will cost.
First of all, hot pursuit is from the days of Mad Max. Too many innocents are mowed down by that technique. So let's forget this performance thing. (Don't forget about the increase in rollovers when driving truck based vehicles)
As many of the folks above have noted, the maintenance costs and acquisition costs will be close to an order higher than that of the old fleet. Value of a police used vehicle will be zero anyway,
Having said that, many police departments use Tahoes, Expeditions, Explorers, and Durangos as canine units, off-road patrol vehicles, or as emergency/disaster response units. If Chicago wants to use an SUV as a beat patrol unit, smaller might be better. Instead of a Tahoe, maybe a Jeep Commander or Ford Explorer would be more fuel-efficient. To those suggesting Subarus, forget it. Outbacks are pushing $35,000 in civilian form and Foresters are too small for the job.
Fuel costs would clearly be a negative in an SUV-based fleet, as would the repair cost of many components. On the other hand, any "police pursuit" spec sedan is chock full of heavy duty components that cost much more to replace than the civilian version.
Flex-fuel is also something that costs more money, especially in a Tahoe. Straight ethanol drops mileage by 25% according to a recent test by Motor Trend of a 2007 Tahoe.
The cabin and trunk size are also concerns with the Impala/Charger vehicle types, as noted above. There is a large handful of unhappy campers in the ISP since they mandated "safety cages" which take up a lot of cabin space in an Impala. The Impala's trunk will also not hold one of the Trooper's department-issued items if that item is properly stowed. (Not to be cryptic here. but I don't know that the blog world needs to know about this item.)
IMHO, this vehicle debate will be part of a greater discussion Supt. Weis will be having with his rank and file, commanders, and the City Council as he tries to bring change to the CPD.
PS:Aside from the lack of funds, there are reasons why you see a variety of firearms in a CPD rollcall. The CPD does not have the FBI's ability to either train to a standard or remove an officer from duty. Things could get interesting if and when an advanced, high caliber pistol is issued Department-wide.
PPS: If they get new radios, let's hope they fare better than the $100 million POS system that CMS bought for the State Police. Al Ronan-lobbied, it was obsolete before it was turned on and is a legitimate officer safety problem.
Not that I advocate the Subies, but can you peek over the border toward W. Lafayette, IN? Its a Subie factory.... European cops get along with VW Golf size cars.....
If it has to be an SUV, go for the smaller class. I checked, the 2wd Hybrid Tahoe list for more than 50K (and cannot use E85)
Good points about E85. If they expect 11 mpg from the gasoline use, you can expect a whopping 8.25 mpg on E85
The squad that the City of Chicago should procure is the Dodge Charger V6. It has more room than the Chevy Impala, yet similar fuel economy. There's really no need for V8 powered squads in the city, since there are very few high speed pursuits.
The NYPD has had Chargers in their fleet for the last couple of years and they have performed well.
In addition, instead of charging a fuel surcharge for taxis in Chicago, taxi companies should be forced to get more fuel efficient cars like the Impala and Charger.
We are asking which vehicle does the best police work.
The police are saying the Chevy Tahoe. What is it that you believe you know about police cars that they do not?
how much is it?