2019 Model Year Patrol Vehicle Evaluation Report Released

Since 1981, the National Institute of Justice, through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Information Center system, has partnered with the Michigan State Police to conduct an annual patrol vehicle evaluation. You can find the just-released 2019 model year report, Police Vehicle Evaluation Model Year 2019, at https://www.justnet.org/pdf/2019MYPoliceVehicleEvaluationTestBook_639203_7.pdf.

The purchase of patrol vehicles is one of the largest expenditures a law enforcement agency faces. For many years, police fleet administrators have had numerous choices to make when choosing a vehicle, including overall vehicle size, engine and transmission combinations, and other performance-enhancing options, all of which can affect the overall capabilities of the vehicle. To further complicate the selection process, the environment (e.g., urban, suburban, rural) in which the agency operates can also play a significant role. In the mid-1970s, MSP, as part of its annual vehicle procurement process, developed an evaluation program for police patrol vehicles. Under the program, manufacturers wishing to be considered for selection submit their vehicles, equipped to MSP performance specifications, for testing. MSP evaluates factors such as acceleration, top speed, braking and handling under simulated pursuit conditions. MSP also evaluates and rates the vehicles for factors such as ergonomics and ease of equipment installation.