As a result of extensive testing and overwhelming approval of department personnel, the department has decided to purchase the Ford Interceptor UV AWD as the patrol vehicle.
The Ford Interceptor UV AWD has ABS, all-speed traction control, Roll Stability Control is unique to the UV: Gyroscopic sensors check body-roll angle. A 304-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and gets 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway. The Ford Interceptor UV AWD will have backing sensor or a backing camera system and blue tooth technology.
The Ford Crown Victoria served as the law enforcement patrol vehicle for the better part of 25 years but the model was discontinued, leaving agencies with the decision of a replacement vehicle. In May, Sheriff John McMahon challenged the rank and file to test the Chevrolet Caprice, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department decided to purchase the Chevrolet Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) with the intent of deploying the vehicle in the first quarter of 2014.
Just prior to purchasing the Chevrolet Caprice, it was determined it did not have ballistic door panels installed and thus was not suitable for the department’s requirement of a patrol vehicle. Recent testing completed by California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Sheriff’s 
Department and Michigan State Police, indicated the Ford Interceptor UV was being offered at a comparable price and additional testing and considerations should be made before purchasing the Chevrolet Caprice.
In November 2013, the department purchased 10 Ford Interceptor UV AWD units and conducted a two- day comparison of the Chevrolet Caprice, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus and Ford Interceptor UV AWD at Sheriff’s EVOC. During the two-day test, Sheriff’s Department employees reviewed, drove, and evaluated the four potential patrol vehicles. The vehicles were tested on the high speed pursuit track, the city grid pursuit track, accident avoidance and skid pan. At the conclusion of the testing, an overwhelming 83% of department personnel felt the Ford Interceptor UV AWD was the vehicle the department should purchase for patrol.
The men and women of the Sheriff’s Department are excited at the prospect of employing the new technology and automotive engineering into the new vehicles.
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
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