Move over Crown Victoria, there’s a new Explorer in town.
Edmonds police are replacing their patrol cars, something that spokesman Sgt. Mark Marsh says is done on a predetermined schedule, and the new vehicle of choice is an SUV. “The reason we are going to the Ford Explorer is that Ford no longer will be making our current patrol car, the Crown Victoria, in a police model,” he added.
The Explorer is currently being fully equipped at City of Edmonds maintenance facilities. “It will also be outfitted with propane as all of our current patrol cars are,” Marsh said, adding that the SUV is also more fuel efficient than the Crown Victoria model.
No officers will be driving the Explorers until they have received pursuit driving training, which may start in November, Marsh added.
Pretty spiffy, although I’m still a little jealous of the Chargers that Lynnwood PD has. I suppose they’d be really upset if I took one for a spin.
Outstanding Job! Kudos to Fleet Manager Mike Adams and Lead Mechanic Carl Rugg. The public has no idea how much time and effort goes into designing and building this rolling office that our police officers operate 10 to 12 hrs a shift.
While the Lynnwood PD Chargers may look cool, they may be too cramped for officers who must spend an entire shift in their vehicles or offices on wheels. The new Explorers should be more comfortable plus four wheel drive will come in handy during the occasional snowfall.
I doubt the Edmonds PD engages in many high speed pursuits that would necessitate a Ford Crown Victoria. There is an old saying in law enforcement: “While you may be able to outrun a Crown Vic, you can’t outrun a Motorola.”
You could easily make the case that it’s not safe to have a high speed pursuit anywhere in Edmonds. They only place I’ve heard of them happening is on 99, and they usually end badly.