Law Enforcement Fleet Management

Posted: November 7th, 2023

First and Last Name

Instructor

Course Name

7 November 2023

Law Enforcement Fleet Management

Memorandum

To:

From:

Subject: Recommendations for Law Enforcement Fleet Management

Date: March 31, 2023.

This report aims to share my recommendations on fleet management for law enforcement. The report contains a hypothetical scenario in which law enforcement will change its cruiser line for more modern vehicles. While law enforcement will work with one automotive manufacturer, it will choose between two brands. Subsequently, the report will highlight the criteria for evaluating each alternative: speed, durability, lifetime maintenance cost, and even resell value. The report will also address the type of audiences and their respective concerns. A budget and work schedule will conclude the report.

Case Study

The Williamsport Police Department in Pennsylvania has been operating its line of patrol and pursuit vehicles for over two decades, helping restore and maintain peace and order in the local. Its fleet of cars has long ensured that the police department provides prompt responses to the security needs of community members. Acquired in 2002, the cars have provided ample space for police equipment and personnel but have endured extreme circumstances. Much more than that of the average driver. It has come to our attention that these fleets of vehicles are reaching the end of their lifespan and that Williamsport Police Department will have to procure new ones. The state has approved the acquisition of new vehicles to help law enforcement continue with its history of prompt responses.

Apart from changing its type of vehicles, Williamsport Police Department will also be changing its onboard radio and computer systems. Law enforcement has to keep up-to-date with technological advancements, which is why a systems change is imperative. For years, the state’s law enforcement has been using radio equipment that does not have long-range or good audio quality. The radio systems were also prone to intrusion by trucker frequencies. On the other hand, the computing systems were not semi-autonomous and did not integrate artificial intelligence.

The proposed Ford Taurus and Ford Crown Victoria can be used on a daily basis by seasoned personnel without showing signs of breaking down or intrusion. Switching to the new sedans will provide sufficient space for the new communication systems. Even though police officers might be required to undergo short-term training to familiarize themselves with the new systems and cars, their long-term performance is bound to incentivize other police departments to make the transformations. Williamsport Police Department must make a decision that mirrors its unique communication and transportation needs and requirements.

Law Enforcement Fleet Management

Automobiles have a long history of use in law enforcement as police officers need to act quickly when in pursuit of absconding criminals or during emergency responses. Some of the historical applications include high-chase road pursuits, the ferrying of criminals, transportation of equipment and even people in need of assistance. As a result, police department demand a lot from their vehicles. From the drivers perspective, the cars need to have speed, torque, durability, long-range, active communication, and space among many other features. From the state department’s perspective, fleet management must meet set budgetary limits. The cost of acquisition should not negatively impact the state’s finances and should meet state objectives, including reducing the rate of crime and a long-service life.  Different types of cars have been introduced over the years to meet the changing demands of law enforcement.

Alternative Vehicles for Fleet Management

The car manufacturer proposed in this report is Ford. The long-standing American-based automotive company has the Ford Taurus and Ford Crown Victoria sedans, praised for their American-like appearance and ease of maintenance. Ford is a car brand known worldwide for its high-quality production, customer-friendly pricing, safety, and customer service support. As an American-based car company, Williamsport Police Department will benefit from localized support for repairs and modifications. In the subsequent recommendation report, one of the two vehicles will be selected as the official police sedan for Williamsport Police Department.

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is taunted to be the fastest police interceptor in current use in the United States. The turbocharged vehicle is faster than other cars in its class, including the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Caprice. The car has an eco-boost turbocharged engine that ensures all four wheels receive power. Official reports indicate the car will accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.66 seconds. Therefore, the vehicle has enough power and speed for emergency situations. With a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 365 horsepower, the Ford Taurus will be an economical addition to any police department. The car shares the engine type with the Ford Mustang, which suggests the availability of spare parts for repairs and modifications. The Ford Taurus offers new technologies, such as a blind spot system, reverse sensing system, and autonomous stability control. As a sedan, the car’s dimensions provide ample leg and body space for all occupants.

Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria has a long history of being used in highway patrol in major western states, including California. The car can be perceived as big in size and character, which would provide Pennsylvania law enforcement with an intimidating and authoritative appearance. The car has a long wheelbase, built on the same body on frame platform as the Lincoln Town Car. Therefore, the vehicle will provide ample leg space for police officers and arrested civilians at the back. The boot space is also sufficient for police equipment or random objects that police encounter during patrol. The front console equally has adequate space for police communication devices.

The average weight without police equipment is 4000 pounds, implying weight will not impede acceleration and speed. A slight concern exists over how the car’s weight affects fuel consumption. Special bucket seats will provide occupants with sufficient comfort to carryout long hour shifts. In Crown Victoria, Ford has built a dependable and durable vehicle that will meet the ‘street needs’ of the modern age. The car includes stiffer shock absorbers, a higher suspension, a high-capacity alternator, and external oil coolers. All the mentioned features optimize police use, and the car can be easily sold as a second-hand daily driver after its police life comes to an end.

Evaluation Criteria

The two cars will be compared through a series of checks to determine which best suits the daily needs of the Williamsport Police Department. The following criteria will be applied to filter the two choices:

1. Depreciation cost: The resale value is a big factor as it determines the state’s ability to recover some of the money used to purchase the fleet.
2. Cost of maintenance: Some cars require more frequent maintenance resulting in higher operational costs.
3. Load capacity: This should be a mid-heavy duty to facilitate personnel and equipment transportation.
4. The drive of vehicle: The driver’s degree of comfort and sense of control over the car.
5. Fuel costs (fuel economy): Even the slightest differences in gas mileage will translate into massive daily savings for the police department over the fleet’s lifetime.
6. General performance: The car’s performance is important because it might represent the difference between catching and losing criminals. Horsepower, torque, and other mechanical features are considered.

Audience

Two audience groups are the target of this recommendation report. The assessment of the audience is based on the role they play in the procurement of police vehicles. Therefore, the primary audience is the U.S. Department of Justice, while the secondary audience is the law enforcement officers at Williamsport Police Department.

Primary Audience

The U.S. Department of Justice is the primary audience for this report because they are responsible for approving, budgeting, and actualizing the procurement of police vehicles. The department has all the resources and human expertise to ensure Williamsport Police Department acquires new, robust, dependable, and clean vehicles straight from the manufacturing facilities. The federal department is also motivated by the need to lower national expenditure, meaning they are more likely to negotiate favorable average pricing per vehicle. The U.S. Department of Justice also acknowledges the aging of American law enforcement fleets and the need for new vehicles for improved patrolling.

Secondary Audience

The secondary audience includes all the commanders, lieutenants, sergeants, chiefs, and inspectors that will be using the vehicles daily. Their knowledge and familiarity with police work will play a critical role in determining the sense of comfort and control provided by the two alternatives. Participation of the police in the procurement process will help ensure patrolling becomes more efficient and safe. Their involvement will also help address some of the assumptions and concerns associated with police fleets.

Project Schedule

Task	3/9 – 3/15	3/16 – 3/22	3/23 – 3/29	3/30 – 4/5		4/6 – 4/12	4/13 – 4/19	4/20 -4/26	4/27 -5/3	5/4
Initial Research, Source Identification
Initial writing
First Draft
Integration of First Feedback
Final Draft
Revision
Final Submission

Budget

The recommendation report will have to source several items for it to be completed within the suggested timeframe. The table below contains some of the anticipated expenditures for the project.

Material	Anticipated Cost
White paper	$10
Binding material	$10
Database access pay (subscription fee)	$25 biannual
Transport	$50
Total	$95

The recommendation report will use scholarly material, hence the subscription fee for academic databases. Secondary information will be sourced from any identified, relevant web platforms also.

Works Cited

Huffman, John Pearley. “This is One of the Last Crown Vic Cop Cars in Service.” Car and Driver, 23 May 2018, www.caranddriver.com/features/a20879513/the-great-panther-extinction-this-is-one-of-the-last-crown-vic-cop-cars-in-service/

Martin, Levine. “The Procurement of Police Cars.” Law Enforcement Technology, vol. 16, no. 8, 1989, pp.1-6. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/procurement-police-cars

Woodyard, Chris. “Ford: Tests Show it has the Quickest Police Car.” USA Today, 17 October 2013, www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/10/17/police-cars/2999205/