Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ohio judge calls speed cameras a "scam," earns spot on our Christmas card list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/ohio-judge-calls-speed-cameras-a-scam-earns-spot-on-our-chris/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/ohio-judge-calls-speed-cameras-a-scam-earns-spot-on-our-chris/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/ohio-judge-calls-speed-cameras-a-scam-earns-spot-on-our-chris/#commentsFiled under: ,

Elmwood Village, Ohio photo enforcement signThere's only one thing better than fighting the man, and that's watching the man fight himself. A Hamilton County, Ohio judge has ruled against an ordinance that allowed the village of Elmwood Place to install speed cameras. The town of just 2,000 people has already seen the cameras generate some $1.5 million in fines since they were installed last July, and USA Today reports Judge Robert Ruehlman believes "Elwood place is engaged in nothing more than a high-tech game of Three-card Monty," adding, "It is a scam the motorist cannot win."

Preach it, preacher man.

Ohio has 13 other jurisdictions that use speed cameras, and a total of 13 states and Washington, D.C. use them to enforce traffic laws. Elmwood Place began handing out $105 citations shortly after the cameras were installed, and local residents reacted accordingly, with many simply avoiding the village all together. Local businesses say revenues are down and lawyer Mike Allen has stepped in to represent drivers suing the village. "It is obvious that the village of Elmwood is motivated by financial considerations and not public safety," he said.

Allen's victory marks what could be the country's first specific constitutional challenge to speed cameras. That is, whether or not a driver's due-process rights are violated by getting a ticket in the mail.

Ohio judge calls speed cameras a "scam," earns spot on our Christmas card list originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elmwoodelmwood placeelmwood place ohiogatsogovermentlaw enforcementlegalohiopoliceroad safetyspeed cameraspeed camerastraffic safetySat, 16 Mar 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/ohio-judge-calls-speed-cameras-a-scam-earns-spot-on-our-chris/20505666/article-detail.xml 20505666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/village-of-elmwood-photo-enforced-sign-1363363186_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/village-of-elmwood-photo-enforced-sign-1363363186.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese thwarting seatbelt laws with t-shirts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/chinese-thwarting-seatbelt-laws-with-t-shirts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/chinese-thwarting-seatbelt-laws-with-t-shirts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/chinese-thwarting-seatbelt-laws-with-t-shirts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

China Seatbelt T-Shirt

If necessity is the mother of ingenuity, law enforcement must be the doting father. Drivers in China have taken to circumventing local seatbelt laws by purchasing and wearing special T-shirts. The shirts feature a graphic with a stripe that runs from shoulder to hip, creating the illusion that the driver is wearing his or her harness while seated. Police have reportedly begun cracking down on drivers for not wearing their belts after a rash of collisions resulted in occupants jettisoned from their vehicles. Now, getting busted without wearing your safety belt carries a penalty of the equivalent of $8 and two points on your license. Lose 12 points and you're walking.

The shirts themselves can cost up to $8, and while they aren't specifically illegal, some police have called the garments "self-deceptive." We aren't entirely sure what that means, though we imagine procuring and wearing the T is a bit more of a hassle than simply buckling up, regardless of the safety risks.

Chinese thwarting seatbelt laws with t-shirts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaclick it or ticketlaw enforcementpoliceseat beltseat belt lawseatbeltseatbelt lawsseatbelt t shirtshirtt shirtt-shirtMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/chinese-thwarting-seatbelt-laws-with-t-shirts/20496917/article-detail.xml 20496917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/seatbelt-china-shirt-628-1363011933_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/seatbelt-china-shirt-628-1363011933.jpg <![CDATA[Notorious Ohio speed trap takes a hit as state laws change [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/notorious-ohio-speed-trap-takes-a-hit-as-state-laws-change-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/notorious-ohio-speed-trap-takes-a-hit-as-state-laws-change-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/notorious-ohio-speed-trap-takes-a-hit-as-state-laws-change-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Officer writing traffic ticket

Anyone who's ever lived in the Midwest or driven through Ohio probably knows that the Buckeye State is legendary for the strict speed traps along its highways. After March 22, motorists driving along Interstate 71 near Cleveland will have a little more breathing room. That's because new state legislation will be shutting down eight of the mayor's courts in Ohio, including one in Linndale, the state's most notorious and controversial speed trap city. According to The Cleveland Leader, Linndale has but one exit and a quarter-mile section of the interstate inside its borders, yet "in 2011, Linndale police issued 4,000 traffic tickets, which accounted for over $400,000 in revenue." That's eight times as many citations per 100 citizens as any other place in Ohio. In fact, if you take a Google Street View look at I-71 as it runs through Linndale, you can see a police officer camped out in the shadows of a bridge.

The outgoing mayor's courts system allow a mayor-appointed city employee - not a judge - to preside over traffic cases, and all of the ticket revenue would then be funneled to the city. All of this for a small town with fewer than 200 residents. With the new law, Linndale police will still be able to patrol the Interstate and ticket speeders, but the revenue from fines will then be split with other government entities.

Check out a video from a local news station below.

Continue reading Notorious Ohio speed trap takes a hit as state laws change [w/video]

Notorious Ohio speed trap takes a hit as state laws change [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>law enforcementlinndalelinndale speed trapmayors courtohio speed trapohio speed trapsspeed trapspeed trapsspeedingTue, 26 Feb 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/notorious-ohio-speed-trap-takes-a-hit-as-state-laws-change-w-vi/20474974/article-detail.xml 20474974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/speeding-ticket-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/speeding-ticket-628.jpg <![CDATA[Police dash cams catch crook driving stolen cop car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/police-dash-cams-catch-crook-driving-stolen-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/police-dash-cams-catch-crook-driving-stolen-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/police-dash-cams-catch-crook-driving-stolen-cop-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



This past Friday, police officers form the unfortunately named White Settlement, TX responded to a break-in at an antique store. The police arrived to catch Darren Porter in the act, arrested him, and put him in secure custody in the back of a cruiser... or so they thought.

In a scene more fitting of a lost episode of Dukes of Hazzard, Porter was somehow able to roll down back window of the Crown Vic and let himself out. All officers on the scene were still in the antique store, so with no one around, Porter decided to help himself to the driver's seat of his former place of captivity. From there, he embarked on a joyride with the cruiser.

Porter was off, with the local smokies none the wiser. Unfortunately for Porter and his getaway plans, his hands were still cuffed, and he was unable to keep control of the car. He eventually blew out a tire, drove off of the road, and fled when the car was no longer drivable.

Incredibly, the cache of firearms in the trunk was never accessed, but Porter is still at large. The video below should come as a warning to local law enforcement.

Continue reading Police dash cams catch crook driving stolen cop car

Police dash cams catch crook driving stolen cop car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crown vicdarren porterjoyridelaw enforcementpolicevideoWed, 12 Dec 2012 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/police-dash-cams-catch-crook-driving-stolen-cop-car/20399902/article-detail.xml 20399902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/police-breakout-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/police-breakout-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The British crime thriller, The Sweeney, was centered around two cops tooling around in an unmarked, blacked-out, five-door, Ford Focus ST. It's only logical, then, that Ford serve pent-up demand for a true police-spec Focus ST.

Reporting for official duty is the Ford Focus ST estate, complete with full cop livery, LED light bar and a mobile data terminal.

Ford says the 2.0-liter 252-horsepower EcoBoost can propel pursuing police to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds and top out at 154 mph.

The one-off demonstrator was paraded out at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers' (NAPFM) Conference and Blue Light Fleet Exhibition in Peterborough recently.

"With the Ford Focus ST being seen so publicly on cinema screens nationwide, the timing for this 'official' version couldn't be better," said Terry Adams, Ford's Direct Sales Manager for Police, Fire & Ambulance in the press release. "At the NAPFM show we displayed the car's crime-fighting talents to police transport managers and took bookings for demonstrations."

Read the full press release below.

Continue reading Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car

Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford focus stecoboostford focus st estateford focus st policelaw enforcementnapfmpolice carthe sweenyThu, 25 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359688/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/20359688/article-detail.xml 20359688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ford-focus-police-estate-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ford-focus-police-estate-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor - front three-quarter view

Ford has revealed that it is updating the base powerplant on its 2013 Police Interceptor sedan. Ford's 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine will replace the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine in its Taurus cop car, and the new engine will slot under the optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

The V6 offered is a version of the powerplant found in the base Mustang and F-150, and it was already available on Ford's Police Interceptor Utility (read: enforcement-spec Explorer). With the help of twin independent variable camshaft timing, the 3.7-liter V6 makes 305 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque. It puts up these numbers while achieving 18 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway. Combined fuel economy is 21 mpg.

According to Ford, the 3.7-liter provides the highest output of any naturally aspirated V6 pursuit engine. The change should improve its 0-60 time, especially compared to competing six-cylinder pursuit vehicles. If you recall, the outgoing 288-hp 3.5-liter V6 resulted in a 0-60 run of 8.36 seconds, well behind the 7.34 of the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 (301 hp), and the 7.68 of the Dodge Charger Pursuit V6 (292 hp). The new 3.7-liter mill should put the Ford Police Interceptor in that range, though we do not yet have those numbers.

If a police department decides that 305 horsepower is not enough to chase down perpetrators, Ford still offers its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower, and it's still the only twin-turbocharged V6 engine being offered in America's police vehicle fleet. For more information on the naturally aspirated V6, click below to read through the press release.

Continue reading Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws

Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptorecoboostfordlaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusFri, 14 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/20322410/article-detail.xml 20322410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630.jpeg <![CDATA[ACLU launches phone app to help motorists secretly record police stops [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/aclu-launches-phone-app-to-help-motorists-secretly-record-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/aclu-launches-phone-app-to-help-motorists-secretly-record-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/aclu-launches-phone-app-to-help-motorists-secretly-record-police/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ACLU-NJ police encounter recording app - how-to video screencap

Shortly after the New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union created an app called Stop and Frisk Watch, in response to the law enforcement tactic of the same name, the ACLU branch in New Jersey has created a Police Tape app.

It does exactly what it says on the box: records audio and, if you choose, video, of an encounter. The app interface disappears when in action so that it can't be switched off by anyone who happens to glance at the phone and the recordings are stored on the phone in a place where it would take a "tech-savvy" officer to find them and delete them. Furthermore, the recordings can be automatically uploaded to secure ACLU-NJ servers so that police can't delete them later. The app also apprises users of their rights when in their cars, on the street, when at home, and when being arrested.

Whether or not you agree with the app, it's kind of crazy that we've gotten to a point where everybody feels they have to make recordings of everybody else and store them in Iron Mountain just to make sure that justice prevails. But at least this way you won't have to wear a helmet-cam. The app is available now for Android phones, with an iPhone version coming shortly. Scroll down to watch a rather strange ACLU-NJ video on how it works.

Continue reading ACLU launches phone app to help motorists secretly record police stops [w/video]

ACLU launches phone app to help motorists secretly record police stops [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acluaclu new jerseyaclu-njamerican civil liberties unionandroidandroid appappcamera phonelaw enforcementpolicepolice recorderpolice stopsurveillanceThu, 05 Jul 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20271947/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/aclu-launches-phone-app-to-help-motorists-secretly-record-police/20271947/article-detail.xml 20271947 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/aclu-njpolicetapeapp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/aclu-njpolicetapeapp.jpg <![CDATA[Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi S7 headlights

Count this one as a big victory for motorists. A Florida man has won his First Amendment case against the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who wrongfully ticketed him for flashing his lights to warn other drivers of a speed trap. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a Circuit Court judge not only said that the deputy who ticketed Ryan Kintner had misapplied a state law banning aftermarket flashing emergency lights, but also ruled that flashing your lights to communicate with other drivers qualifies as constitutionally protected speech.

But this victory for Kintner is just a stepping stone towards a larger case. According to the report, his attorney has filed a class action lawsuit that charges the Florida Highway Patrol with willfully violating a 2005 court order prohibiting the police from ticketing motorists for flashing their brights. The report says that case has a hearing scheduled for next month, so this is certainly not the last we'll hear on the issue.

Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first amendmentflashing lightsfloridaflorida policeflorida speed trap lawsuitfree speechlaw enforcementspeed trapWed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/20243762/article-detail.xml 20243762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-s7-headlights_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-s7-headlights.jpg <![CDATA[Delaware to crack down on left-lane slowpokes [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/delaware-to-crack-down-on-left-lane-slowpokes-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/delaware-to-crack-down-on-left-lane-slowpokes-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/delaware-to-crack-down-on-left-lane-slowpokes-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Slower Traffic Keep Right signDelaware may be joining Kansas, Oklahoma, Washington and other states in cracking down on drivers who use the left lane for more than passing. A bill in the Delaware legislature would institute fines of up to $230 for drivers who camp out in the left lane on roads with at least two lanes in each direction, according to USA Today.

Delaware's current law requires drivers to keep right only when going slower that the flow of traffic, according to the report. The new measure would resemble nearby New Jersey's law - the Garden State currently fines left lane dawdlers up to $200, though a recent proposal would raise that to $300.

The Delaware bill is supported by AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Delaware Police Chiefs Council. For what it's worth, we think it's a good idea as well, but don't take our opinion for it, let us know what you think by voting in our poll below.

View Poll

Delaware to crack down on left-lane slowpokes [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delawaredelaware legislaturehammer lanelaw enforcementleft lanemoving violationpassing lanetraffic violationFri, 20 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/delaware-to-crack-down-on-left-lane-slowpokes-w-poll/20219757/article-detail.xml 20219757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/slower-traffic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/slower-traffic.jpg <![CDATA[Richmond police will now wake you up at night if you leave valuables in your car [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/richmond-police-will-now-wake-you-up-at-night-if-you-leave-valua/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/richmond-police-will-now-wake-you-up-at-night-if-you-leave-valua/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/richmond-police-will-now-wake-you-up-at-night-if-you-leave-valua/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Richmond PD Wake-Up call report screencap

We don't envy local law enforcement, especially in a city like Richmond, Virginia. Charged with keeping the public safe from a variety of ill forces, the job is about as thankless as they come. Recently, the RPD has adopted a new initiative in an attempt to curb vehicle break-ins. Officers on the night shift now check vehicles for valuables left in plain sight, and when they find them, the police stop by the vehicle's owner's home for a little chat. All of these "wake up calls" are most likely to occur between midnight and 4:00 a.m. in order to teach car owners a lesson about protecting themselves from crime.

While removing or stashing high-dollar electronics before leaving your car parked overnight may seem like simple common sense, critics of the plan suggest that punishing those who refuse or forget to do so with a late-night wake-up call is beyond the scope of law enforcement - particularly as it applies to vehicles parked on private property. Watch the WBBC 12 NBC local news report on the initiative by scrolling below, then voice your opinion in our poll and in Comments.

View Poll

Continue reading Richmond police will now wake you up at night if you leave valuables in your car [w/poll]

Richmond police will now wake you up at night if you leave valuables in your car [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto theftbreak-incar theftcrackdowncrime preventionlaw enforcementpolicerichmondrichmond policevideowake-up callWed, 11 Apr 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20213290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/richmond-police-will-now-wake-you-up-at-night-if-you-leave-valua/20213290/article-detail.xml 20213290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/richmond-pd-wake-up-calls-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/richmond-pd-wake-up-calls-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Dodge Durango Special Service models - police and fire vehicles

The Dodge Charger has already done a fine job ingratiating itself with our nation's police forces, and with Ford's Crown Victoria finally off the beat, Chrysler is understandably keen to gain a bigger share of the law enforcement pie. Enter the 2012 Durango Special Service.

Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive and Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 flavors, this Durango variant has been uprated for the sort of duty cycles common among police and fire crews. Available modifications include a heavy-duty brake setup, larger battery, 220-amp alternator, as well as an engine cooler and upsized water pump. Properly equipped, Chrysler says the Durango SS can tow a class-leading 7,400 pounds, and it offers a bladder-perforating 550-mile range.

Dodge has improved interior lighting to make sure that officers don't have to squint while writing you that speeding ticket, and they've also gone to the trouble of brooming the third row of seats for increased capacity (K9 duty, anyone?). Thoughtfully, they've left the second-row HVAC controls so that perps can be stored at proper temperatures.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery and then shuffle past the jump to see the official press release.

Continue reading Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire

Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge durango2012 dodge durango special servicedurangodurango firedurango policefirelaw enforcementpolicepolice carspecial serviceMon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/20196176/article-detail.xml 20196176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor undergoing testing

Police forces didn't care much about fuel economy back in the early days of the Ford Crown Victoria, but these days, efficiency is front and center for cash-strapped municipalities. The cost of fuel keeps rising and cities continue to cut their budgets, so one or two miles per gallon might make the difference for a city deciding between a fleet of Ford's new Taurus-based Interceptor, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

And so it is with great interest we read the news today that Ford has released official EPA-certified fuel economy figures for the new Interceptor. The base model equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 miles per gallon city / 26 highway, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 16 mpg city / 23 highway. Finally, the Interceptor Utility (read: cop-spec Ford Explorer) powered by a 3.7-liter V6 returns 16 mpg city / 22 highway.


We scoured through official specs and data from Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge to produce the comparison table above. As you can see, the new Police Interceptor from Ford is not the precinct captain of fuel economy, not even when comparing the V6 EcoBoost model against its V8-powered competitors. The acceleration numbers, meanwhile, were all taken from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Annual Law Enforcement Vehicle Test and Evaluation Program for 2012 models. Based on their results and the official EPA numbers that we found, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 looks like the best combination of both quickness and thriftness. One thing, though, is for certain: No matter which model they choose, police forces everywhere should be saving lots of fuel compared to the aged Crown Vics in their fleets now. Learn more in Ford's official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings

Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptorcaprice ppvcharger pursuitchevroletdodgeenvironmental protection agencyepaexplorerfordfuel economylaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurustaurus shoFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195226/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/20195226/article-detail.xml 20195226 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt.jpg <![CDATA[DOE rejects $310M loan for Carbon Motors to build advanced police cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/carbon-motors-310-million-doe-loan-for-police-car-production-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/carbon-motors-310-million-doe-loan-for-police-car-production-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/carbon-motors-310-million-doe-loan-for-police-car-production-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Carbon Motors, maker of the purpose-built E7 police car, won't receive the $310 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program that it applied for almost three years ago, and said that it's a victim of politics.

"We are outraged by the actions of the DOE and it is clear that this was a political decision in a highly-charged, election year environment," Carbon Motors William Santana Li said in a statement. The company added that it was "actively examining its strategic and financing alternatives."

Carbon Motors says its vehicles will save government entities money because they get better fuel economy and they're purpose-built, meaning that factory vehicles don't need to be retrofitted. Carbon Motors has said its diesel-powered cars may cut law-enforcement fuel use and greenhouse-gas emissions by as much as 40 percent, and that building such cars may create as many as 10,000 jobs. The car was to feature a BMW 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine.

The company says it's received about $200 million worth of financial commitments from private and public sources and has taken orders from more than 500 law-enforcement agencies for more than 20,000 cars.

Last December, the company sent an open letter urging the Obama Administration to push the DOE to approve the loan.

The federal loan process has vexed other automotive companies. Bright Automotive, which was to make extended-range plug-in utility vehicles, publicly pleaded with the government to process its application for a $400 million loan in January. Last month, that company went out of business.

Meanwhile, Fisker Automotive, maker of the extended-range plug-in sports sedan Karma, has been fielding questions about its future after the company in early February laid off workers. Fisker has received less than $200 million of the $529 million loan it was slated to get from the DOE.

Continue reading DOE rejects $310M loan for Carbon Motors to build advanced police cars

DOE rejects $310M loan for Carbon Motors to build advanced police cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmbmwcarbon motorsdieseldoe loanse7law enforcementloanloanspoliceu.s. department of energyThu, 08 Mar 2012 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20188867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/carbon-motors-310-million-doe-loan-for-police-car-production-r/20188867/article-detail.xml 20188867 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carbon-motors-e7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carbon-motors-e7.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptors

Ford has begun producing the company's two new Police Interceptor models. According to Ward's Auto, both the Taurus and Explorer-based cruisers are rolling off of the line at the automaker's Chicago Assembly Plant. All told, the sedan variant has accounted for around 60 percent of orders so far. Currently, the law enforcement market is Ford's to lose: Dearborn has controlled up to 70 percent of police car sales in the U.S. with its now defunct Crown Victoria in the past, but General Motors has made it clear it wants a larger slice of that pie.

GM has given law enforcement agencies an alternative to the two Interceptors from Ford with its Caprice PPV and Tahoe law enforcement SUV. Even so, Ford remains confident it will stay on top of the police market. The company says that early orders indicate it will remain the segment leader.

With a turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine in place of the old 4.6-liter V8 found in the Crown Victoria, Ford also says its new Interceptor models should be capable of returning 20 percent better fuel economy - an attribute that should salve relationships somewhat with fleet orderers who were fond of the anvil-like reliability and simplicity of the old Crown Vic.

Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explorerford explorerford interceptorford police interceptorford taurusinterceptor productionlaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/20176907/article-detail.xml 20176907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-interceptors-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-interceptors-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car - front three-quarter view

With the era of Ford's dominant Crown Victoria finally drawing to a close, automakers are working harder than ever to court law enforcement with more modern police cruisers. Key among their tactics? Facilitate easier fleet ordering by making common police equipment upgrades available from the car companies themselves instead of forcing precincts to seek out aftermarket specialists. Instead of sending their new cruisers off to third party vendors, those in charge of ordering new police cars can get them fitted with items like heavy-duty secondary batteries, special lighting, trunk coolers, laptop docking consoles and so on - all from the factory.

An unintended consequence of this shift in strategy is that the police cruisers are now more complex than ever, particularly in the area of wiring. Just ask Chrysler, which is now facing the recall of nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cruisers from 2011 and 2012 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler will recall 9,688 cop specials because some vehicles could incur an overheated lighting harness connector that could cause the cruiser's low beams to fail. In addition, some Chargers may also suffer from an overheated power distribution center that could result in a loss of the vehicle's anti-lock braking and stability control systems. Just as they would with a car sold to the general public, Chrysler will notify owners covered in the recall and inspect and replace the affected parts free of charge.

Click through to the jump to read over NHTSA's official recall notice... and be safe out there.

Continue reading Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled

Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge chargerchargercharger pursuitdodgelaw enforcementnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapolice carpolice car recallrecallMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/20170047/article-detail.xml 20170047 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Supreme Court: Feds not allowed to use GPS on autos without warrant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Law enforcement agencies are now required to obtain a warrant before attaching a GPS device to a vehicle. The Detroit News reports the Supreme Court unanimously ruled today that the Justice Department was wrong when it argued that its agents didn't need permission to track private citizens without their knowledge.

The case in question centered around Antoine Jones, a Washington, D.C. nightclub owner and suspected drug dealer. Police installed a GPS device on Jones' wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee, which eventually led them to a substantial amount of cocaine. Jones was then sentenced to life in prison.

But Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that installing the device constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment. Specifically, Justice Scalia said, "The government physically occupied private property for the purpose of obtaining information."

In the Jones case, law enforcement agents had obtained the proper warrants to attach the device, but didn't manage to attach it within the 10 days specified in the warrant. The FBI accumulated 2,000 pages of data over four weeks by tracking the vehicle.

Supreme Court: Feds not allowed to use GPS on autos without warrant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antonin scaliafbigpsgps trackingjustice antonin scalialaw enforcementsupreme courttrackingMon, 23 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/20154702/article-detail.xml 20154702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0056646482-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0056646482-628.jpg <![CDATA[Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Police Car hits tree video screen cap

Law enforcement officers face perils most of us never have to worry ourselves with. Between irate drivers, armed criminals and the tangle that is the U.S. justice system, it's a wonder anyone willingly volunteers to protect and serve. Still, we doubt many officers have had to face off against an attacking tree. That's exactly what happened as one police officer was driving through Mission, Kansas. The cruiser's dash camera caught the action as a massive limb came crashing down onto the road just as the patrol car passed underneath.

Fortunately, the policeman wasn't harmed in the resulting collision, though the cruiser in question required substantial body work, including a new windshield. Hit the jump to check out the brief clip for yourself.

Continue reading Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser

Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>law enforcementpolicepolice carpolice car hits treepolice officertree hits police carvideoSun, 04 Dec 2011 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20120333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/20120333/article-detail.xml 20120333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/police-car-tree-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/police-car-tree-628.jpg <![CDATA[Calgary ready to adopt sound-activated noise camera to automatically ticket loud vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/calgary-ready-to-adopt-sound-activated-noise-camera-to-automatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/calgary-ready-to-adopt-sound-activated-noise-camera-to-automatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/calgary-ready-to-adopt-sound-activated-noise-camera-to-automatic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Harley-Davidson exhaust

Police in Calgary have partnered up with a company to install the Noise Snare, a sound-activated traffic camera designed to automatically ticket loud vehicles. According to The Calgary Herald, the device would typically cost municipalities around $112,500 Canadian, though the company behind the technology has been kind enough to supply one unit free of charge as part of a pilot program that could see the system spread across North America.

Those cited by the technology will likely be forced to pay a $200 fine, though the final amount will be decided by Calgary's city council soon. The city also plans to offer free clinics to motorists who may be concerned that their vehicles are too loud.

The Noise Snare was originally invented by Mark Nesdoly after a motorcycle woke up his daughter one evening, and the system seems to be geared toward targeting loud bikes.

We aren't of the mind that loud pipes save lives, but we do see more than a few issues with the plan if it were to be applied in the States. Most states lack concrete ordinances on vehicle noise, relying instead on improper equipment citations to discourage loud aftermarket exhausst. Then there's the question of what happens when a factory vehicle earns its owner a crisp new ticket in the mail.

Calgary ready to adopt sound-activated noise camera to automatically ticket loud vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calgarycanadalaw enforcementnoisenoise cameranoise ordinancenoise snarenoise violationpolicetraffic cameraTue, 15 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/calgary-ready-to-adopt-sound-activated-noise-camera-to-automatic/20106180/article-detail.xml 20106180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/harley-davidson-exhaust_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/harley-davidson-exhaust.jpg <![CDATA[Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ram Special Services Police Truck

Law enforcement agencies may now sink their teeth into a specially prepared version of the Ram pickup truck. The Special Services Police Truck is built to take the abuse that only police officers can throw at a vehicle with additional door supports to handle the weight of optional ballistic protection, a 220-amp alternator for added electronic gadgetry and a 390-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine.

Each truck is built with a unique wiring harness specifically engineered to endure the heavy loads of the radar, computer, lighting and radio equipment officers need in the field. Speaking of fields, this is one pursuit vehicle that can chase you anywhere you run thanks to the presence of a four-wheel-drive system.

Ram isn't saying how much the Special Services Police Truck will cost municipalities or whether or not regular-Joe buyers can tick the right boxes and get their own service truck. We do know that with 407 pound-feet of torque on tap and a 3.92 axle ratio, this vehicle will be plenty quick off of the line when it comes time to give unruly motorists a stern talking to. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7

Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500law enforcementpolicepolice carpolice carspolice truckramram 1500ram police truckram special services police trucktruckTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100819/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/20100819/article-detail.xml 20100819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ram-police-truck-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ram-police-truck-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/cordon-multi-target-speed-camera-is-terrifying/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/cordon-multi-target-speed-camera-is-terrifying/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/cordon-multi-target-speed-camera-is-terrifying/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

cordon speed camera

We're not big fans of speed cameras. The tickets are expensive, there is no facing the accuser, there are questions of accuracy, and in some cases, these cameras don't even appear to be helping out the governments that install them financially. And don't even get us started about many cases in which red light signals are manipulated to increase ticket counts. While we'd like for these cameras to go the way of the dodo, the fact is that these devices are only getting better.

The latest device to strike fear in motorists is Simicon's Cordon seen in action here. This device will be able to follow up to 32 vehicles across four lanes at the same time. It can deliver both wide-angle and close-up shots of every car, and it can simultaneously gauge speed and map vehicle position. It even has an available advanced license plate recognition system. Sound scary? It gets worse. The Cordon is also more difficult to spot, as it can be mounted on a tripod or road sign. The devices will be easy to update as well, as it can use WiFi, 3G or WiMAX to quickly sync with databases.

Cordon isn't on U.S. streets yet, but our sister site, Engadget, says that the devices will begin landing in North America by the first quarter of 2012. Hit the jump to watch video of the Cordon in action during a field trial, and feel free to join us in fear.

Continue reading Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying

Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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