York Regional Police have unveiled a new vehicle design.
The organization said the new design modernizes the look of the frontline cruisers and other fleet vehicles, which are now more than 10 years old.
The new design is intended to increase visibility and improve safety, with a focus on ergonomics and comfort for frontline officers.
“We’re pleased to offer our frontline officers a more comfortable, safer vehicle that also increases their visibility in the community,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “The new design is modern, appealing and easily recognizable to citizens and will assist in our crime prevention and patrol efforts.”
After a review of more than 40 designs, the final design focuses on a simpler and bolder blue-on-white and white-on-blue combination to maximize cruiser visibility.
New features in the vehicle include:
- In-car equipment placement for ease-of-access
- A re-designed equipment enclosure for the trunk to maximize equipment capacity for officers
- Additional side and forward lighting to enhance intersection visibility and clearing ability
- Modular design and construction to ease downtime related to repair, build, commission and de-commission
- Vehicle-to-vehicle sync of emergency lights for more control and ease working scene management
- Electronically operated spot lights tied into the emergency lighting system
- Lights and sirens integrated into the vehicle on-board computer
- A more rugged and louder siren
The new car design will be rolled out through natural attrition, with the vehicle graphics changing as vehicles are replaced on their regular replacement schedule once they reach their end-of-service life. It is anticipated to take approximately four years to replace the entire fleet.
The first cruisers bearing the new design will start appearing on York Region roads in July 2023.
