Police, Security, and Traffic Enforcement: Implementation Considerations
The following information helps fleet managers consider integrating alternative fuel and advanced technology police, security, and traffic enforcement vehicles into their fleets. It covers vehicles and equipment, fuel and infrastructure, and maintenance and operation. For information specific to your area, contact your local Clean Cities coalition.
Vehicles and Equipment
Because performance is so important for law enforcement vehicles—especially police cruisers—securing buy-in from drivers/officers is critical when acquiring alternative fuel and advanced technology models. Test vehicles and trials have been an effective way to assess the benefits of new vehicle technologies.
Natural gas and propane vehicles are available primarily as conversions from gasoline-powered vehicles, typically at an extra cost of several thousand dollars. The Honda Civic GX is the only natural gas vehicle currently available from an original equipment manufacturer. It costs about $7,000 more than a gasoline-powered version. However, alternative fuel vehicles can have lower operational and maintenance costs and can be eligible for significant state and federal incentives and other funding opportunities.
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), or a mixture of both. FFVs typically have a minimal incremental cost over gasoline-only models.
Hybrid electric vehicles use existing gasoline infrastructure and never need to be plugged in. They are especially well suited to parking and traffic control because they limit idling and operate efficiently with frequent starting and stopping. Electric vehicles can be useful for applications that do not require extended driving range.
Security fleets use personal mobility vehicles—such as electric bicycles and scooters—to improve efficiency, reduce officer fatigue, and interface better with the public. These vehicles are ideal for patrolling parks, neighborhoods, and seniors buildings and for working among crowds. Some are even fast enough to pursue fugitives.
Police, security, and traffic enforcement vehicles can also benefit from idle reduction strategies.
Fuel and Infrastructure
Availability, cost, and implementation issues for alternative fuels depend on the fuel type, fuel suppliers, and local market and environmental conditions.
If not already available, the cost of building natural gas, propane, or ethanol (E85) infrastructure can be significant. However, by entering into supply contracts with local suppliers, costs for fuel can be reduced greatly.
Electric vehicles can be recharged via standard electrical outlets or using electric charging stations. Hybrid electric vehicles use existing gasoline infrastructure and never need to be plugged in.
See the Alternative Fuel Price Report for the prices of alternative fuels versus gasoline.
Maintenance and Operation
Most drivers of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles notice minimal differences in performance compared with conventional vehicles. Sometimes there are benefits, such as the high torque of hybrid electric vehicles that makes them ideal for frequent starting and stopping.
Particular care should be taken when considering acquisition of alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technologies for police cruisers. In Dallas, conversion of police cruisers to compressed natural gas (CNG) operation generated opposition. Officers voiced concerns about the CNG vehicles' driving range, speed, and acceleration. However, the rugged CNG fuel tank was cited as an advantage over much weaker gasoline tanks, which have ignited when police cars have been rammed from behind.
When implementing new technologies in the fleet, mechanics need to be trained to ensure that the new vehicles are properly maintained. Studies show that proper maintenance and operation of alternative fuel vehicles can actually reduce overall operational costs. For study details, visit the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Evaluation page.
Training is available from many sources, including the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. You may also visit the AFDC Technician Training page for more training opportunities.
Additional Assistance
For additional assistance implementing alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure, contact your local Clean Cities coalition. Or ask an expert a fleet-related question.