Ford has a long history of providing vehicles to police departments in the U.S., and the Ford Explorer has earned its place in the police car lineup. The Ford Explorer wasn’t always the go-to vehicle for law enforcement agencies, but why it’s the preferred police car today is no mystery. Law enforcement uses the Explorer Police Interceptor because of its durability, performance features, and customization options. This guide covers a brief history of Ford Police Interceptors, the model’s features and specs, and why police prefer the Explorer to any other model.
Historical Context and Popularity
Since 1915, Ford has provided local police forces with specialized vehicles that help them protect and serve. Oakland, California, had the first police department to standardize its fleet of light cars to all Fords. By 1950, Ford was offering a Police Package with upgrades designed to ease the burden of law enforcement, and in 1954, the Interceptor name appeared for the first time.
Ford models, such as the Mustang and Crown Victoria, were in more than 50% of police fleets in major U.S. cities by the early ’60s. In 1998, the Crown Victoria took up 85% of police pursuit sales in the U.S. and Canada. Then, in 2012, Ford retired the Crown Victoria, replacing it with the next-generation of Interceptor models.
The Police Interceptor Utility was introduced in 2013. It had many modern features to make it appealing to police departments, and its extensive list of customization options for law enforcement needs made early adoption quick to take off. Today’s Police Interceptor Utility has decades of experience in law enforcement behind its design, making it a top choice for police car fleets across the country. As police work becomes tougher, so does the Police Interceptor utility.
Performance and Powertrain
Three powertrain options for the Police Interceptor Utility give law enforcement agencies the opportunity to select the ideal engine setup. A standard 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain is efficient yet effective in high-speed driving situations or on routine patrols. It generates 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, combining the power of the gas engine with the electric motor system.
Law enforcement personnel appreciate the precise handling the 3.3-liter V-6 engine provides. This powertrain exerts 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, making it an exceptional choice for any situation. The final engine option is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that can distribute up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, propelling this utility SUV to a top speed of 148 mph.
All the Explorer’s engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures optimum traction on any terrain and in all types of weather. When compared to civilian models, the Interceptor Utility has an upgraded suspension system for better absorption during rigorous driving, and the heavy-duty brakes are police-calibrated for improved stopping power.
Safety and Durability
Special structural reinforcements and crash-tested police-rated enhancements keep the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor safer from the dangers of police fieldwork. It’s able to withstand the 75 mph rear-impact crash test, and officers feel confident leaving the vehicle thanks to the police engine idle feature that prevents unauthorized use even when the officer steps away. The ballistic door panels can hinder high-power and armor-piercing rounds, while reinforced seats and well-placed controls keep the driver’s comfort and safety in mind. A perimeter alert uses the blind-spot detection system to provide a 270-degree view that enhances situational awareness.
Technology and Law Enforcement Features
Advanced technology features in the Police Interceptor help law enforcement personnel do their jobs safely. A Dark Car mode allows officers to switch off all internal lights and dim the drive console with the touch of a button, keeping them hidden when necessary. The factory-installed light and siren controllers are easy to use from the driver’s seat, and connectivity features make it simple to communicate with dispatch from wherever the vehicle ends up.
Abundant driver-assist technologies can improve awareness in high-stress moments. The blind-spot monitoring system provides alerts for traffic or objects that pose a threat. A precollision system with automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert aid in preventing accidents. The rearview camera features a picture-in-picture view for an accurate display of the area around the vehicle. Rear parking sensors help with backing into parking spaces and avoiding objects when backing up.
Why Law Enforcement Prefers SUVs Over Sedans
The popularity of SUVs can’t be denied, and the preference for a larger, more durable ride has trickled over to the police service. SUVs provide more cargo space, a larger area for passengers, and an elevated ride height that improves visibility, all of which are important for police fleets. The off-road capability of an SUV makes it a top choice for law enforcement agents who need a vehicle that can handle rough and rugged terrain. As Ford improves its hybrid powertrain for its SUV lineup, these vehicles become increasingly popular for police fleets because of their uptick in efficiency.
All-wheel- and four-wheel-drive capabilities are another reason law enforcement prefers an SUV to a sedan. Precise torque and wheel control ensure officers have the ideal grip in any driving situation. Solid construction and a larger size mean an SUV can handle a higher payload and tow a trailer, which modern sedans can’t. This makes them a versatile choice for any police force.
Discover the Ford Explorer at Jim Burke Ford
Jim Burke Ford is an authorized Police Interceptor Utility dealer, and we love working with the Bakersfield Police Department to help keep our community safe. We offer an extensive selection of vehicles suitable for our local police fleet, and we’ll happily help our heroic police force get the vehicles they need to keep Bakersfield crime-free. The Ford Explorer is a top choice for police fleets because of its modern safety features, technology options, and performance enhancements. If you want to drive a top-notch SUV, contact us so you can take one for a spin.
Sheriff Car Driving Along the Street by Connor McManus is licensed with Pexels License
