EVs as Police Patrol Vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) have made significant strides in recent years, presenting numerous advantages in various sectors, including law enforcement. Their application in roles such as command staff, detectives, and crime lab technicians is promising. However, the suitability of EVs as police patrol vehicles remains contentious, especially for those who understand the unique demands of patrol duties. Listen to Law Enforcement Talk Radio for free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website or most major podcast platforms.
The Core Issue: Power Drain from Police Equipment
The primary concern with using EVs for police patrol is not what one might initially think. It's not the range limitations during pursuits, though that is a legitimate concern. It's not the reduced range in extreme weather conditions, which is another real issue. Nor is it the increased battery drain due to hilly terrains. While these are all valid concerns, the main problem lies elsewhere. EVs as Police Patrol Vehicles. You can stay updated about this and other crime and trauma stories simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.
The chief issue is the significant electrical drain from essential police equipment when the vehicle is stationary. This is a critical aspect often overlooked by those not directly involved in police patrol work. Here's a breakdown of some major energy drains:
Police Radio: While body-worn radios can mitigate this, the in-car police radio still requires power.
Police Computers: These need constant energy to remain operational.
Emergency Lights: These lights are crucial for visibility and safety but also require continuous power.
Imagine a police unit in an EV dispatched to manage traffic control at an intersection. With emergency lights activated and the computer running, how long before the battery depletes if the vehicle remains stationary? Consider situations like road construction sites where patrol cars need to keep their emergency lights on for 6-8 hours. What happens if they also need to run heating or cooling systems and maintain computer operations? EVs as Police Patrol Vehicles. Check out all of our great interviews available as a free podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or most major podcast platforms.
Real-World Scenarios and Concerns
Traffic Control at Fire Scenes: If a patrol car is assigned to a fire scene for an extended period, say four hours, and the battery was already low, will the vehicle run out of charge? Will this render the unit out of service?
Construction Site Monitoring: For prolonged stationary duties at construction sites, will the EV's battery sustain the load of emergency lights and other equipment?
24-Hour Vehicle Use: Police patrol cars often run around the clock, with different officers swapping vehicles. What happens when the car needs charging? Does this downtime take an officer out of service? Or do departments need additional vehicles to cover these gaps, increasing costs?
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These scenarios highlight the critical need for continuous power, which traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles can provide by idling to keep the battery charged.
Public Perception vs. Practical Reality. EVs as Police Patrol Vehicles.
Is this a widespread concern among those who understand police operations, or is it merely a slick Public Relations move by departments eager to showcase their commitment to sustainability? Are these EVs truly fit for patrol use, or are they relegated to less demanding roles within the fleet? The potential downtime for charging and the associated logistical challenges make it a complex issue. All of our great interviews are available as a free podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or most major podcast platforms.
In conclusion, while EVs offer many benefits, their application as police patrol vehicles raises several practical concerns. These issues warrant thorough consideration and address to ensure that police departments can maintain the efficiency and readiness required for their critical work.
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EVs as Police Patrol Vehicles.
