Great Cars: POLICE CARS

New York City's finest. LA's new centurions. Even Mayberry's, Sheriff Andy have relied on one common tool, the Police Car. It is the most often used weapon in an officer's crime fighting arsenal.

More than the gun. More than the billy club. The Police Car is the one tool that continually makes the difference in the struggle against crime.

While it's taken for granted today, the development of the Police Car has been a constant race to stay ahead of the technology and hardware of the crooks.

After the first organized municipal police department was created by Sir Robert Peel in England, in the early part of the 19th century, it was clear that a means of deploying police to trouble spots was needed. Initially, carts and horses served this purpose but as cities grew crime festered and criminals found new ways to elude the grasp of the law.

With the invention of the automobile a means was at hand that would allow the police to keep up with fleeing suspects and provide security and protection to wider areas.

But the crooks and gangsters of the early part of the 20th century were one technological step ahead of the law. Their large, expensive sedans could easily outrun a local sheriff's car. The police were further hampered by the lack of a radio network that would help them coordinate a response to crime throughout a state or across state lines. Gangster, bootleggers and bank robbers were crisscrossing the country and preying on local communities.

Finally, in the 1930's two things happened that would start to turn the tide. Henry Ford introduced a new V8 powered police cruiser and two-way radios were developed that would allow commanders to talk to their patrol officers. With these tools in hand police agencies set out to take back control.

The crooks began to fall. Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Ma Barker and the most notorious, Bonnie and Clyde were rounded up or dispatched. Clyde had even written Henry Ford to thank him for inventing the V8. Clyde said, he always stole one when possible. Unfortunately for Clyde, the police finally had more firepower and more horsepower. He and Bonnie were gunned down at a police road block.

As the country continued to grow the Police car was pushed to keep up. Newer and bigger engines. Better brakes. Better handling. More room for more equipment. Computers, on-board cameras for recording chases and arrests. All this has turned the modern day Police cruiser into a fortress, command center and shield on wheels.

What will be the next step for the Police car is unclear. Tests are underway to find the right answer for the problems of the 21st century. Will it be a four-wheel drive all terrain vehicle? Will it be a sleek racer? Some departments are even experimenting with a combination of bicycles and vans. Whatever the solution, the Police Car will continue to play a central role in keeping crime contained and the streets safe for all of us.

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