Camaro retirement

[MasTiempo]

I'm sure as you all know, Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro. Have any of you heard what the CHP will seek as a replacement? I've seen the new mustang as a Coronado PD marked traffic vehicle but there really isn't any trunk space for the signature "Highway Patrol" across the back.

Be safe all.

[FuelInjection09]

I'm sure as you all know, Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro. Have any of you heard what the CHP will seek as a replacement? I've seen the new mustang as a Coronado PD marked traffic vehicle but there really isn't any trunk space for the signature "Highway Patrol" across the back.

Be safe all.

The Camaros never had "Highway Patrol" written on the backs on them either. Simply no room, but the beauty of that is motorists will pass it right by thinking its a regular Camero. They mistake the slim LED light bar as a roof rack, and most don't pay extra attention to all the antennas. I think almost all of the Camaros are retired by now anyway. Southern Division had 3 of them. One got totaled, the other one I saw already stripped and some dude at Ralphs in Granada Hills was driving it fresh off of the auction in Torrance (where all retired cruisers are dismantled). And, I'm almost positive the one that was out of West Valley is already retired as well. Going back to your original question as to what the CHP might use to replace them? I have no clue. I don't think there's even an urgency for a replacement anyway. The new Corvette would be an ok sub, if the department didn't have such a tight budget. I have to say though, that the new ZO6 is amazing. In a straight line its stats are comparable to an Enzo. Also, referring back to the budget, I don't think the CHP will be switching to Dodges as a primary soon either. Ford announced that they will still produce the Crown Vic for fleets, such as for LE, Taxis, etc. It would be foolish of Ford not too. They are facing huge financial trouble, just like GM, and Law enforcement is a huge cash cow for them.

Wish I was of more help.

[Your Mentor]

Not only is there no room on the trunk lid for "Highway Patrol", there's no room in the driver's seat for an average size person wearing a gun belt. We still have one in Yreka though it should be run out soon. Only one guy drives it because he's small enough to drive it comfortably. I had it for two days while I was waiting for my new C.V. and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I felt clostriphobic the entire shift. Our old Mustangs were roomier. As for budget, I think the SMPV program is partially funded by grants through our Commercial Vehicle Section. They aren't intended for use as interceptors like the Mustang was and so finding a performance vehicle won't likely be a priority. Too bad about the C.V.; the Dodge is a beautiful rig.

[redhead]

Just to expand a bit on what Your Mentor said, here is the article from Perspectives 2002 (http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/per02-17.html).

[MasTiempo]

Wow thanks guys :smile:. I don't know what I was thinking... for some reason I thought the "Highway Patrol" letters were on the back of that Camaro. It's been a while since I've seen one, I guess:confused:
I've heard of the complaint of the lack of space for the officer but I've never been up close enough to see it. If nothing, it was a good show vehicle. I agree, it'd be a bad decision by Ford to stop making the CV.
Thanks for all the input guys. :smile:

[SB 405]

I still say Dodge will be the vehicle of choice by the CHP in the near future. Nothing to back up what I say,just a gut feeling. Speaking of the CV...I've noticed something different on the units I see these days but can't put my finger on just what's different. Have the wheel covers changed over the last few months? The covers I see these days look smaller than those big chrome looking plastic Ford wheel covers.

[Welpe]

After seeing the Dodge Charger in person, I have to say I was disappointed. It looked small compared to the Crown Vic. While I've driven and rode passenger in a Crown Vic with an MDT and radio, I did not sit in the Charger. It did seem like it would not be as comfortable though.

[dw]

I still say Dodge will be the vehicle of choice by the CHP in the near future. Nothing to back up what I say,just a gut feeling. Speaking of the CV...I've noticed something different on the units I see these days but can't put my finger on just what's different. Have the wheel covers changed over the last few months? The covers I see these days look smaller than those big chrome looking plastic Ford wheel covers.

Ford specified switching to the new wheels with more vent holes and losing the full hubcap to increase ventilation to the brakes.

[Mac]

Speaking of the CV...I've noticed something different on the units I see these days but can't put my finger on just what's different. Have the wheel covers changed over the last few months? The covers I see these days look smaller than those big chrome looking plastic Ford wheel covers.

SB405 - Good obs'! :biggrin: We did switch to all-black wheels with more ventilation holes, for the reason DW mentioned. Supposedly it will help eliminate "brake fade".

[FuelInjection09]

SB405 - Good obs'! :biggrin: We did switch to all-black wheels with more ventilation holes, for the reason DW mentioned. Supposedly it will help eliminate "brake fade".


I noticed those hideous wheels too. They won't help much with brake fade. If they want to see noticeable results then they should switch to a higher quality brake pad. It'll reduce brake fade, rotor problems, and aid in overall performance. Too bad there are budget issues. :cry:

[Your Mentor]

The department doesn't skimp on brake pads. Never has. In fact, when I have my vehicle serviced in Klamath Falls (closest Ford dealership), they have to order the pads because they aren't stock. We've always used a high performance pad; currently Kevlar. They aren't racing quality but they are top notch.

[SB 405]

Speaking of the CV...I've noticed something different on the units I see these days but can't put my finger on just what's different. Have the wheel covers changed over the last few months? The covers I see these days look smaller than those big chrome looking plastic Ford wheel covers.

SB405 - Good obs'! :biggrin: We did switch to all-black wheels with more ventilation holes, for the reason DW mentioned. Supposedly it will help eliminate "brake fade".Is it the same wheel just w/o the hub cap,or is it a replacement wheel?

[Your Mentor]

Replacement wheel.

[Fish'nChip]

Mentor is right. The brakes are much better on the newer Fords. The 96-97's were awful. They did a redesign on the Crown Vic in 98 and they have been getting better ever since.

I remember telling the automotive tech at my office about 6 or 7 seven years ago that they should switch to a hub piece and not because of brake fade.....but because of $$$$$. I can't tell you how many hub caps I've lost! At the time they were $60 a piece and we were probably losing 8 or so month. Multiply that times 100+ area offices and that is a chunk of change. The 94-95 Caprices had the center hub piece so why couldn't the Fords.:confused::

I recall at least two incidents where I pulled up to a stoplight and my hubcap kept going through the intersection and went up into the landscaping. Funny but annoying!

[FuelInjection09]

The department doesn't skimp on brake pads. Never has. In fact, when I have my vehicle serviced in Klamath Falls (closest Ford dealership), they have to order the pads because they aren't stock. We've always used a high performance pad; currently Kevlar. They aren't racing quality but they are top notch.

So that's why most police cars have really squeaky brakes. I just thought those beaters were poorly maintained. It makes it hard to sneak up on people in alley ways and small streets. You can usually hear the car coming before you see it.

Mentor is right. The brakes are much better on the newer Fords. The 96-97's were awful. They did a redesign on the Crown Vic in 98 and they have been getting better ever since.

Meaning the car doesn't explode anymore when a deuce slams into the back of it. :shock:

The Crown Vic is still a whale of a car; it would be nice to get those Dodges with the 350bhp Hemis.

[redhead]

So that's why most police cars have really squeaky brakes. No, actually the glazing on the rotors is the primary cause of squeaky brakes.
I just thought those beaters were poorly maintained.
The many ride-a-longs I have been on, none had bad (squeaky) brakes or anything else of that manner. What Ford (who I hate, yes, hate) puts into the fleet cars is very good for the CHP cars. source (www.cvpi.com)

Meaning the car doesn't explode anymore when a deuce slams into the back of it.

Read the source above, there is a ton of great real world information.


Fi- just so you know, I work in the automotive industry, and have for the past 14 years. I have worked for race teams(24hrs of Daytona+so many more...), to the dealership I work at now(think money no object). So, if you have any questions, please fell free to ask.

[FuelInjection09]

In some instances glazed rotors might be the cause of squeaky brakes. More common causes are when there's pressure during braking when the piston comes in contact with the backing plate of the pad (that's why they grease it). There's also a metal clip on the end of each brake pad that will squeal when in contact with the rotor to warn the driver that the meat on the pad is worn dangerously low. It's normal for kevlar pads to squeak because kevlar is a harder substance compared to regular pad material. It is designed to have a higher heat tolerance, so it wont melt during heavy use of the brakes. The negative of that is you will have higher rotor wear, much more brake dust, and louder operation of the brakes. Some of the WRC cars use kevlar pads, this is how I know. I race for the SCCA in my spare time and I used to work in the automotive industry as well.

I guess you had good luck with your RA cars. I've been in more than a couple that had loud brakes (including CHP). And FYI, the early model 3rd Gen Crown Victorias had fuel cell issues. During a significant rear impact the cell would rupture and catch fire (explode). This has been documented in several fatal accidents involving Ford LE fleet vehicles, and it prompted Ford to issue a design change for the newer models.

I'm not a big Ford fan either, but I agree the Crown Vic was suitable choice. Although, there weren't many other cost friendly competitors to choose from.

Which exotic car dealership do you work out of? The only ones I'm familiar with in the SJ area are Ferrari of Los Gatos and the Silicon Valley Automotive Group. I have a ties with several dealerships here in Los Angeles.

[redhead]

I'm familiar with in the SJ area are Ferrari of Los Gatos and the Silicon Valley Automotive Group.same dealership. Been there since we were FLG.

[Your Mentor]

The Department sets specs for contracts. The brakes have always been spec'd above stock because we're super hard on them; we dish out far more abuse driving highway enforcement speeds than cops on surface streets. I had some summers where I went through a set of front pads every 5,000 miles for four months straight (in Death Valley and Owens Valley). Rotors had to be turned about every 10,000 because of the heat. Tires are also an issue. In the old 91' CV (thank God Ford redesigned it the following year) the cooling system was spec'd higher than stock and they came with what Ford dubbed the "Gulf" cooling package. The hoses were slightly larger, the radiator was taller, and the hoses were baby blue in color. In fact, since the Dodge Diplomat fiasco (what a nightmare that beast was to drive) the Department has spec'd our cars above the standard police package. Since I'm in an RP I have an assigned vehicle which no one else drives so it stays in tip-top shape (accept for some recent fender damage because of a chain failing during a snow storm: bummer). Allied agencies have always commented on how nice our rigs are. It would be sweet to have a 300+ hp engine but the 4.6L we've been using is really a solid performer. My POV has a 310 hp V8 and I know I could smoke a CVPI in a heartbeat. We haven't had a vehicle that'll match performance cars since the 63' Dodge 880 or, even better, the 69' Dodge Polara (440 Magnum V8 "Wedge", 365hp!). The Polara held the top end speed record for interceptors (149.6mph) until a 94' Caprice beat it 25 years later. The 94' Caprice with the LT1 engine (a Corvette engine) was awesome, if the door handles had quit falling off and the rear side windows didn't fall off the track when you lowered them. I ran one out and loved driving it but hated the maintenance. I went through two transmissions and had to have warranty work done on it constantly. That's a pain for an RP officer. It's not like you can tag it and grab another rig. Incidentally, the only dedicated pursuit vehicle was the Mustang. That was it's entire purpose. It was VERY fast off the line but at around 130 mph it really got squirly. You could stay on a fleeing vehicle's butt like you wouldn't believe, especially if they made the mistake of trying to lose you on surface streets. You out cornered them. And they usually TC'd. As used in the desert, you tended to work opposing traffic. So you'd end up stabbing the brakes, making hard left turns, and then blasting the accelerator. Fun! But you went through those Goodyear Gatorbacks pretty quick and the brakes really took a beating.

Speaking of brakes, the 91' CV had rear drums! Ford didn't switch to four wheel discs until 92'. Also, most areas have an SOP policy requiring patrol cars be tagged immediately following a pursuit so the brakes can be inspected. In Bishop the SOP even required the vehicle be towed on a flatbed from the termination point.

[Mac]

...Incidentally, the only dedicated pursuit vehicle was the Mustang. That was it's entire purpose. It was VERY fast off the line but at around 130 mph it really got squirly. You could stay on a fleeing vehicle's butt like you wouldn't believe, especially if they made the mistake of trying to lose you on surface streets. You out cornered them. And they usually TC'd. As used in the desert, you tended to work opposing traffic. So you'd end up stabbing the brakes, making hard left turns, and then blasting the accelerator. Fun! But you went through those Goodyear Gatorbacks pretty quick and the brakes really took a beating....
The '82 Mustangs (first year we used them) were absolutely scary. Extremely short wheelbase, 4-speed tranny and the braking system was carried over from the Pinto. You can do the math yourself and figure out how inadequate those brakes were for a 5.0 V8! :shock: You could out-corner just about anything, but you had about two hard applications of brake and then they were TOAST - nothing there. I discovered it during third phase of break-in, responding to a hot cover call......came screaming into the scene after flying through surface streets with my FTO yelling "GO GO GO GO!!!!" in my ear, and just about created a yard sale when the brake pedal went to the floor as we rolled in behind the other units. There's GOTTA be a God, because he stopped me from wiping out myself, my FTO and three or four other officers (and therefore, my career!).....we came to a stop about a foot behind the last unit with smoke pouring out of the wheels. My FTO was a "screamer", and I figured I was really in for it after we got done at the scene. He didn't say much as we got back in the car, so I took it upon myself to apologize to him. For once, instead of blowing up on me, he smiled and said he'd had it happen to him too.....then he regained his usual demeanor and said something to the effect that if I ever did that again, I'd better stop at a McDonalds right afterward. I asked him what for, and he said "To pick up a JOB APPLICATION, crazy!". Funny now, but it sure wasn't right then! :shock:ops:

Also, many guys who religiously drove the '82 Mustangs would leave them in the lot on rain days - the short wheelbase and quick handling meant that they'd end-swap in a heartbeat on a wet roadway. No warning, nothing impending.....just ZZZWWWWWIP!, and you're watching the scenery revolve around you. Happened to my beat partner as he came down I-5 through a sweeping left-hand curve, and he suddenly found himself facing northbound in the southbound lanes with traffic bearing down on him. He somehow managed to save it and get stopped and turned around without being hit or causing a major pile-up behind him, but that was the last time he drove one of those Mustangs in the rain.

[Your Mentor]

Was the 82' the one with the hood scoop? My first was an 88'. Also went through brake-in in a Mustang and remember my FTO screaming the EXACT same thing in my ear during my first pursuit, "Go, Go, Go." You know the 88's, 89's and the 90's were squirly enough. I can't imagine a smaller wheel base. I remember, early on, I'd accidentally chirp the tires leaving the lot at shift start only to get a ridiculous 10-19, see S-2. You know how hard it was to NOT get a little acceleration skid on CONCRETE before hitting the tarmac? Do you know what the difference in wheelbase was between the 82' and the 88'?

A humorous sidenote: nearly half my cadet class bought brand new Mustangs upon graduation. I'm not embellishing at all. It was the car to drive if you were a highway cop. I remember the speed but I also remember the cross winds that would cause you to unintentionally shift lanes. My POV has a V8 that's governed via chip to 130. I can't imagine ever driving like that again unless a beat partner puts out an 11-99. Remember coming in at the end of shift after driving a Mustang? You had that constant engine tone buzzing in your head. Of course, in the desert you spent the entire shift driving over 90. You couldn't even hear the radio.

[dw]

I hate to interrupt the discussion about why our brakes squeal, but I've never heard so much as squeak from a '95 or newer Ford. Maybe it's just me.

[Your Mentor]

Now that you mention it dw, I haven't heard squeaking brakes in years either. I heard it more often in the desert than out, primarily from the dust and sand. Far worse was the exhaust leak I had on my old Dodge Ram. What a piece of junk that was. After I ran it out I went right back to sedans. I had it in the shop so many times I lost count.

I'm real happy with the current CVPI. It's really evolved since 92'. It's comfortable and drives well. A little more horsepower would be nice but I'm not a speed demon anymore. Working radar on opposing traffic slows you down considerably. Plus the deer population out here is fat. I clear at least two or three deer strikes out of the road during my initial morning sweep every shift. That reminds me . . . time to hit the beat.

[FuelInjection09]

Oh geeze, looks like I'm going to have to take video on my next RA and post it here. :lol:

[Mac]

Oh geeze, looks like I'm going to have to take video on my next RA and post it here. :lol:
Oh, please do....none of us actually DRIVE these cars on a daily basis, so we have no idea what we're talking about. I'm sure your ride-along "experience" will add immeasurably to our knowledge. :badgrin:

Also, your reference to patrol cars as poorly-maintained "beaters" is erroneous. I'm sure you already know this from your many ride-alongs, but each office has auto techs that handle fleet maintenance. Patrol cars are driven hard, but they are maintained more meticulously than most peoples' POVs, and at a comparable mileage are in better condition than most vehicles on the highway. FWIW.

[FuelInjection09]

I actually noticed those maintenance stalls, but all the major work is sent out to local shops and dealerships though. And I said "I thought they were just poorly maintained", like some PD and Sheriff units are. They are still "beaters" because of all the abuse they handle day in and day out. They're the workhorse of the department. And I agree, they are more meticulously maintained than the average car, but not necessarily up to par cosmetically. Thanks for putting me down again Mac. ;)

[dw]

Some photos retchp asked me to post of him & his circa 1982 Mustang...

[KingFrankSam]

Some photos retchp asked me to post of him & his circa 1982 Mustang...

Cool photos, dw. What class are you out of?

[KingFrankSam]

Some photos retchp asked me to post of him & his circa 1982 Mustang...

Cool photos, dw. What class are you out of?

10-22, I just re-read it. I thought they were dw's photos. Retchp, when did you go through?

[retchp]

CHP IV-74..WTOP Class...Womens Traffic Officer Program...First 50/50 man woman class. Most of us are retired now.

[Tom]

Mary Harrison was my captain at the Dublin Office - briefly.

Tom

[retchp]

Nice person. She had an inate ability to make you her friend. Never heard a bad word about her in thirty plus years. We should all be so lucky! I think she retired as a Chief.
It is interesting how we are all connected. You and I don't know each other except thru this Board. We both know Mary though. I find that throughout the Department. It is one of the great things about the CHP that makes it a true "family".
After awhile you can literally travel throughout the state and have friends who will help you out if need be, just as you would them. For that matter, even if you don't know or have a mutual connection one CHP officer is still a brother or sister to another in any situation. It is unique in that respect.
Regarding my post of the 1982 Mustang, I wanted the newbies and soon to be's to see how much time changes things. Note the low riding gunslinger holster and the lack of light bars etc on the unit.
The only pieces of original stuff I had at retirement were my handcuffs and my pinch book. I hadn't looked at those pix for years...seems like just last week though even though I no longer recognize the officer in the pix:smile:

[Tom]

She did retire as a Chief out of GGD. Still lives locally in the Pleasanton area and you are correct on all accounts! Pretty neat.

Tom

[KingFrankSam]

Thanks, retchp. Was Sandra Redding in your class?

[retchp]

No, she is several years after my class. I think she was the first woman to make Chief.

[Welpe]

Nice pictures there, retchp. Those aren't uniform bellbottom trousers I spy there, are they? :shock:

[Your Mentor]

I worked for Chief Redding. In fact, I assisted her parents in Death Valley years ago, when she was an LT and she wrote an ataboy letter to my commander as a result. I worked for her briefly when she was the training division commander (then personnel and training division). Very nice lady and excellent manager.

[Mac]

I worked for Chief Redding. In fact, I assisted her parents in Death Valley years ago, when she was an LT and she wrote an ataboy letter to my commander as a result. I worked for her briefly when she was the training division commander (then personnel and training division). Very nice lady and excellent manager.
I agree 100%. I've worked for Chief Redding when she was in the field (long before she made Chief), and I've always thought very highly of her as a manager. IMO, if this Department was ever to have a female Commissioner, it would be great to see her become the first one in our history.

[KingFrankSam]

Well, the MIS came out today, advertising for her job (Deputy Chief, Departmental Training Division), so I guess she is officially retiring. She is a great person and I hate to see her go.

[Q]

After seeing new pics of the concept camaro, i couldn't resist doing a little photoshopping.

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL15/631045/8904430/125479648.jpg

[SB 405]

I saw the concept camero at the LA auto show yesterday

[ka4993]

I doubt we'll see replacements for the camaros. One thing is for sure, once I drove the camaro and felt the power it never felt the same in a crown vic again.:shock:ops:

[Phil the Frenchy]

Great photos Retchp, thanks !
The officer holster is very low, which style of holster is it ?

Speaking of cruisers, what about Subaru Impreza. 12 such Subaru have been bought by our Gendarmerie Nationale agency as highway interceptors !!!

[retchp]

Phil, It was a custom made holster from an approved manufacturer. They offered a standard, and a long shank. Since my arms are long I asked them if they could make a holster with an even longer shank and for a few dollars more they did.
I was comfortable with it because I could walk up on a stop very casually and not looking like I was ready to draw the weapon. Because it was a break front and my hand was right alongside the butt, I could draw it in extremely rapid fashion ala gunslinger style.
Not that I had much call to do that, but I liked the option. I sold it to a long armed guy when I finally got sick of sitting on it and dragging it out from under my rear end when I got back in the car. He was a motor rider so he didnt have that issue.
I then went to the standard issue CHP high riding break front holster.

[FuelInjection09]

Great photos Retchp, thanks !
The officer holster is very low, which style of holster is it ?

Speaking of cruisers, what about Subaru Impreza. 12 such Subaru have been bought by our Gendarmerie Nationale agency as highway interceptors !!!

Don't be surprised if we get a couple of STi test cars if I get on the department. I'm tight with Subaru North America; they would donate a couple of cars to use as enforcement vehicles. There's an officer out of Monterrey Park that got his WRX for something like $5, and uses it on patrol, for drag race events, and educational purposes. It would be nice just to have a stock Impreza to use for counter street-racing operations.

[SB 405]

I'm speechless.

[redhead]

I'm speechless.Good. I am not alone.

[Fuller]

The responses to this one should be pretty entertaining...

[Cameron]

haha!!! :biggrin:

[Dipmo]

Don't hate the player...:lol:

[dw]

There's an officer out of Monterrey Park that got his WRX for something like $5, and uses it on patrol, for drag race events, and educational purposes.

16528, did you realize we can use the TL's on the road? I thought you were just playin' when you put the lights on.

[16528]

16528, did you realize we can use the TL's on the road? I thought you were just playin' when you put the lights on.
Don't laugh, they've saved my ass more times than once. And what about San Jose's Felony F/U Officer????? I'd like to see what he has in his....

[FuelInjection09]

LOL. Typical response from you guys. Laugh all you want but it's true.

I don't know why the officer chose to rice her out, but here she is:

http://love-tap.tripod.com/Images/jgtc2004/police_wrx.jpg

http://cscc.parl.clemson.edu/gallery/albums/SEMA/WRX_Police.sized.jpg

http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/sema2004/sema_subaru_wrx_police1.jpg

Colorado State Police - Street Racing Prevention Unit (?):

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp150.jpg

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp151.jpg

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp152.jpg

CHP Photoshopped:

http://www.freebmw.net/mbiker97/Pictures/Classic%20Photochop/Subaru%20WRX%20-%20Police.jpg

[Welpe]

That first one looks like a public relations vehicle.

I'm not touching the rest of this... :shock:

[FuelInjection09]

That first one looks like a public relations vehicle.

I'm not touching the rest of this... :shock:

Yes, for the most part. I met the officer last year at the LA Auto Show Media Days event. Before his parts sponsors put stickers all over the car and slapped on a body kit, they used it for patrol. Now it just goes to car shows, special drag race events (ran high 11's w/ NOS), and is used for education/public outreach. Maybe they still use it on beats; it has the emergency lights, siren, functional radio, etc. The STi makes a great police car... like Frenchy said, LE uses them in Europe.

[SB 405]

Fuel,thanks for posting the photos but i'm affraid you missed our point.

[FuelInjection09]

PM'd you

[SB 405]

You see these things at cars shows all the time. I was at the LA auto show last week and the LASD had a pro stock drag racer and some type of road racing motorcycle with all the Sheriff markings.

[dw]

LOL. Typical response from you guys. Laugh all you want but it's true.

I don't know why the officer chose to rice her out, but here she is:

http://love-tap.tripod.com/Images/jgtc2004/police_wrx.jpg

http://cscc.parl.clemson.edu/gallery/albums/SEMA/WRX_Police.sized.jpg

http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/sema2004/sema_subaru_wrx_police1.jpg

Colorado State Police - Street Racing Prevention Unit (?):

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp150.jpg

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp151.jpg

http://members.fortunecity.com/statepdcars/csp152.jpg

CHP Photoshopped:

http://www.freebmw.net/mbiker97/Pictures/Classic%20Photochop/Subaru%20WRX%20-%20Police.jpg

Okay, I'll give you that. I thought you were talking about a Chippie using his POV on patrol.

[FuelInjection09]

Okay, I'll give you that. I thought you were talking about a Chippie using his POV on patrol.

Nope, even I know that's a major no, no.

Here are a few more pics from Arizona, Australia and Japan:

http://www.vividracing.com/main/wrxcop1.jpg

http://www.acay.com.au/~jbartok/AFP_Kym_WRX_004_02.jpg

http://www.homanx.com/gallerypolicecars/jp/gallerypolicecarssti6.jpg


Plus a related article for anyone interested:

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2051028.003/subaru/1.html

[SR-25]

You really cant beat a STI for the money. 0-60 in 4.6. I would love to drive this car as a patrol car after I get on the dept. Would they let you buy your own, customize it with the CHP stuff to use on duty? All at your expense if the dept. doesnt want to pay for it. I would seriously consider this option, especially since I drive a WRX for my personal car already. Or is this just a big fantasy? haha

[redhead]

You really cant beat a STI for the money. 0-60 in 4.6. I would love to drive this car as a patrol car after I get on the dept. Would they let you buy your own, customize it with the CHP stuff to use on duty? All at your expense if the dept. doesnt want to pay for it. I would seriously consider this option, especially since I drive a WRX for my personal car already. Or is this just a big fantasy? hahaYou and FuelInjection09 are going to get along great.

[SB 405]

You really cant beat a STI for the money. 0-60 in 4.6. I would love to drive this car as a patrol car after I get on the dept. Would they let you buy your own, customize it with the CHP stuff to use on duty? All at your expense if the dept. doesnt want to pay for it. I would seriously consider this option, especially since I drive a WRX for my personal car already. Or is this just a big fantasy? hahaYou and FuelInjection09 are going to get along great.
Yeah and Fulie is tight with Subaru so for sure you guys will get the good stuff.;)

[FuelInjection09]

You really cant beat a STI for the money. 0-60 in 4.6. I would love to drive this car as a patrol car after I get on the dept. Would they let you buy your own, customize it with the CHP stuff to use on duty? All at your expense if the dept. doesnt want to pay for it. I would seriously consider this option, especially since I drive a WRX for my personal car already. Or is this just a big fantasy? haha

Yeah, it's a much faster and safer car at high speeds and inclement weather conditions than the Crown Vic is. But, as far as buying your own car and customizing it, that's all fantasy. I'm talking about getting a few vehicles from a corporate donor that would be registered to and outfitted by the department. It's not the matter of if I can get the cars or not, the question is if brass will approve of them. They have a track record of being strongly conservative and I can see the project getting shot down. At least they can use them solely as PR cars, like this POS Boxter:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e269/xoticmotors/chpporsche.jpg

[AceRock]

I saw a CHP Camaro at the los angeles auto show in early January. It was a black and white unit. They had it on display in the parts and accesories section along with some officers talking about seatbelts and DUIs. The car looked a little weathered however. Looked like it couldnt wait to be retired. Its a shame cause those were really nice looking cars and offered a lot of performance for the price of a crown vic. I would imagine that the top of the line dodge charger with a the hemi would probably do well. The camaro always seemed like a sloppy muscle car. Tons of power with mediocre handling.

[PharmGirl]

http://www.camaroz28.com/camaroconcept/

I REALLY like this concept camaro....2008??

[Your Mentor]

You have impecable taste P-Girl. Very sweet ride indeed. The body looks like a cross between the current Mustang and the Dodge. That'd be a great ride off-duty for sure.

All those WRX affectionados; you'll NEVER see on patrol. It would never meet the specs for a class E patrol vehicle. The main issue here is size. You would be amazed at how much we carry on the road. The right front seat has to remain empty for in-custodies. Every other space is for gear. Sure, I'd love to drive an all wheel drive vehicle, WRX or otherwise, on duty. Especially where I work. But specs are written for statewide use. Also, and this is why you can't buy your own sports car for work, this Department's greatest weakness has always been geographical decentralization. To combat that weakness, we rely on STANDARDIZATION. No matter where you end up, you'll use the same cars, the same gear, carry the same gun, swing the same baton, and perform all of your duties in the same way as every other officer on this department. As such, we've turned our greatest weakness into our greatest asset.

By the way, I drive a 2005 VW Touareg V8 off duty. It has full time 4 wheel drive with locking center and rear differntials, a 310 hp V8, dual exhaust, heated leather seats, etc. I'd love to drive the same car on-duty. So I simply enjoy it when I'm in civilian disquise. Regardless, we drive the best patrol car in the state. Our black and whites make allied agencies drool because of the fit and finish alone. We have an assembly line at Motor Transport that makes our rigs real road warriors. Our push-bumpers alone are hand made. Wait until you're in the driver's seat of a CHP black and white before you start hankering for something exotic. And remember this one thing if nothing else -- we chase, stop, and write WRX's every day!

[dw]

By the way, I drive a 2005 VW Touareg V8 off duty. It has full time 4 wheel drive with locking center and rear differntials, a 310 hp V8, dual exhaust, heated leather seats, etc. I'd love to drive the same car on-duty. So I simply enjoy it when I'm in civilian disquise. Regardless, we drive the best patrol car in the state. Our black and whites make allied agencies drool because of the fit and finish alone. We have an assembly line at Motor Transport that makes our rigs real road warriors. Our push-bumpers alone are hand made. Wait until you're in the driver's seat of a CHP black and white before you start hankering for something exotic. And remember this one thing if nothing else -- we chase, stop, and write WRX's every day!

Does that come with a factory rear-locker as well?

[SuperTrooper]

Sorry for bringing this thread back from the dead, but I just saw this on the news:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/funonwheels/03/30/subaru_police.reut/index.html