The Beginning of the End of an Era in Policing

Prince George RCMP 2013-06-12 13:56 PDT

For more than 15 years, one model of car has been the primarily vehicle of choice by law enforcement in North America. This week the Prince George RCMP are proud to place into service two of the last of their kind.  Considered the workhorse for police forces throughout the continent since 1997, the iconic Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle seen in the movies, on television and more importantly, in reality, will soon be a memory.

 The last four Crown Victoria Police Interceptors set for use by the RCMP in British Columbia were outfitted for service in Chilliwack recently. Two of the four have been issued to the Prince George City Detachment. Police unit numbers PG1106 and PG1112 arrived this week and will begin service very soon. The rear wheel drive, V8 engine and ‘body on frame’ construction has been ideal for police use. The rear wheel drive made the car easier to avoid spin outs on hard maneuvers and enabled the car to withstand driving over curbs and other obstacles, common necessities in policing. The ‘body on frame’ construction has allowed inexpensive repairs after collisions and of course the V8 engine provided the power necessary for quick responses.




In 2011, the Crown Victoria model was discontinued by the Ford Motor Company. A version of the Ford Taurus has been manufactured to take its place. The new Taurus Police Interceptor will be all-wheel drive which will allow better traction in our winter road conditions. It will also have a V6, 3.5 litre engine, producing 280 hp, allowing speed with better fuel mileage. The first Taurus Police Interceptor is scheduled to arrive in Prince George later this summer.