The WA Police Force has unveiled a new fleet of patrol vehicles, delivering a significant boost to frontline capability whilst simultaneously enhancing officer safety and operational performance. The addition of the Volkswagen Touareg R plug-in hybrid demonstrates the agency's ongoing commitment to modern and reliable mobile policing.
Following the decommissioning of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore patrol cars, a comprehensive review was undertaken to identify an operationally suitable vehicle to withstand the demands of police emergency response driving. Consideration was afforded to vehicle capabilities in regard to safety, pressure thresholds and limitations, and safe handling in a variety of driving conditions.
The review saw a wide range of vehicle manufacturers tested and assessed, with environmental sustainability also factored into consideration. After undergoing a comprehensive testing process in a controlled track environment, which included the additional carriage of heavy police equipment, the inclusion of dynamic stability control and an upgraded braking package saw the Volkswagen Touareg R hybrid exceed expectations.
Fitted with enhanced emergency lighting system for enhanced visibility on the roads and highways, the fleet of twelve unmarked class-one high performance patrol vehicles will be deployed to the Rapid Apprehension Squad.
Comments attributed to Commissioner Col Blanch APM:
"The Touareg R hybrid is a more fuel-efficient and cost-effective solution over the lifetime of the vehicle through reduced maintenance and downtime.
"These vehicles are a mobile office for our officers; they need to be fit for purpose, but also comfortable and durable to stand up to the tasks of modern-day policing.
"WA Police are leading the country in its push to invest in modern equipment for its officers and these vehicles are another example of this."
Comments attributed to Police Minister Hon Reece Whitby MLA:
"This is a new era in the way we Police.
"The Western Australian Police Force is ramping up its efforts to ensure it's resourced with the best operational assets in the country.
"These vehicles are police stations on wheels, helping keep the Western Australian community and police officers safe.
"It's a bold step meaning specialist officers in the Rapid Apprehension Squad will have the latest and most modern safety vehicles to safely resolve and respond to emergency situations."
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