Inspector Dave Cliff, Traffic Manager for Southern DHQ recently represented the Association at the Police Vehicle Symposium in Melbourne. He shares with us the highlights from this...

In late 2000, two constables in Melbourne were enroute to an urgent call when their Police vehicle  crashed at an intersection at high speed. Both the male and female officer were killed instantly when the vehicle rolled and collided with a lamppost.

One aspect of the ensuing enquiry began to look in detail at the handling and stability of the vehicle they were using, which was what is termed a "Divvy" (Divisional) Van by most Australian State Police Forces. These vehicles are typically utilities with a prisoner cage mounted on the rear and are often used in the "I" car role in Australia.
One of the recommendations of the enquiry was that Monash University Accident Research Centre conduct research into the stability of the various vehicle types operated by Police. As a result, Victoria Police and the Australasian Centre of Policing Research ran an inaugural Police Vehicle Safety Symposium in November 2001 at Monash University. It's purpose was to bring together Australasian Police, vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers and researchers in order to begin the process of specifying common standards in all types of operational Police vehicles.

The Roll Test - Which Car came out on-top?

One of the tests developed by Monash is called the roll test and involves placing various classes of Police vehicle on a tilting platform, to determine at what point the vehicle will roll. Of the vehicles tested, which amounted to a series of standard Police vehicles, the Holden Rodeo was found to roll at the earliest point with Commodore and Falcon cars rolling last.

Police should have the best vehicle available and continued driver training

Some of the recommendations from the researchers, resulting from extensive interviews with operational Police staff, included a basic requirement, which was that Police should supply the best vehicle available to perform the job safely. It was considered that the lives of Police staff and of the public who share roads depend on excellence in both vehicle standards and driver training.
The phrase, "Police vehicle performance and safety in tandem with Police driving excellence", serves as a guiding principle.
Research in Australia, Britain and the United States also concluded that the Police vehicle is probably the most critical purchase a Police agency can make. It is the primary means by which Police are seen in the communities we serve. As a key government agency involved in road safety, Police must set high standards in both vehicle and driver safety. We have obligations to both our staff and the communities who share the roads to provide the best vehicles and the safest drivers.
The point was made that, while arms training is considered to require on going requalification, driver training is not and yet the safety implications are greater.

High Performance Vehicles and Highly Trained Staff may reduce pursuits

On display by the manufacturers at the Symposium were both high performance V8 Falcons and Commodores, which are currently being used by the Highway Patrol in most Australian states. The 5.7 litre Commodore SS generates 220 kw and the XR8 falcon has similar performance. These vehicles have Police specification suspension, brakes and tyres and are exclusively for use by staff who have achieved the highest driving accreditation.
High performance vehicles used by highly trained staff are considered to reduce pursuits. The logic that the public know the vehicles can't be outrun and the staff using them tend not to have to exceed the vehicles handling ability on corners because they know the vehicle's acceleration is such that any offending vehicle can be rapidly caught. It's also considered that the more quickly a speeding driver can be apprehended and stopped the less risk to other road users. Not surprisingly, the engine management chips are speed limited before the vehicles are sold to the public.

Purpose-Built Interiors Protect Driver

The vehicle on display (right) had a purpose built interior. The front seats are shielded from the rear by see though polymer barriers and the rear seat is removed and replaced by a moulded squab for ease of cleaning. The rear window, side windows and doors are reinforced to prevent prisoners from kicking them out. Essentially, a violent prisoner can be safely secured in the rear of the car with the driver fully protected.

Forward-mounted video reduces false complaints

Both a forward mounted video recorder and flat screen are incorporated into the dashboard so that all driving behaviour of offending motorists can be recorded. The video has clear advantages in reducing driving offence related defended hearing and preventing false complaints about Police behaviour.
The future of the operational Police car is certainly on track for major improvement and we can draw comfort from the fact that there is such determination by both Police and manufacturers to provide a quality product.
Out next challenge will be to improve our own driver training, which has already begun with specialist Highway Patrol Driver Training scheduled to begin in New Zealand very soon.