Ford has developed a new technology that will be integrated in Police Interceptors to enhance security for law enforcement officers on patrol, mainly during nights, when risks of attacks are high.
Law enforcement officers protect the lives of hundreds and thousands by risking their own lives. Officers serve the nation day and night. But most of the time, they are the ones in the middle of dangerous situations. A new technology developed by Ford helps set up a safe perimeter around police cars working in late night shifts.
Ford Motor Company, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers, has developed a new technology that can be integrated in Police Interceptors. This new surveillance system, first of a kind, uses rear cameras and sensors to detect any intruder who may approach the car from behind. The system acts instantaneously and locks up the doors and closes the windows of the car that will alert the officer in the car giving ample time to prepare for defense. The system requires manual activation to avoid setting off several times when parked in busy areas with many pedestrians.
Randy Freiburger, a Ford police and ambulance fleet supervisor, developed the idea after experiencing firsthand the threats each officer is exposed to when working on the streets. Freiburger spent several hours studying the dangers law officers experience during routine patrols and investigations.
"I can tell you from personal experience at night that officer security is a critical concern," said Freiburger, according to Torque News. "Unfortunately, there are people with bad intentions who sneak up on police officers. This system builds upon the Ford Police Interceptor DNA that puts safety and security at the top of the list."
The system is jointly developed by Ford and Intermotive Inc of Auburn, CA. The system is sold for $248.33 as a standalone product but when included in a package with other options it will cost $75. It can be fitted at the Crown facility near Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant or any local customization shops via direct association with Intermotive.
"It's like insurance. You hope you never need it. But if you do, it gives the officer a few extra seconds of warning," Marc Ellison, vice president of operations at Auburn, told Associated Press.
