Today the NSW
Police Service utilises many modes of transport. Yet back in the
late 1800's and early 1900's the horse and bicycle were the only
means of transportation.
In 1915 the Service obtained its first patrol car. By 1916 the
benefits of modern transport were being recognised and the Police
Service motor vehicle fleet grew to include motorcycles.
Of course, horses and bicycles were not devalued with the advent
of the combustion engine and indeed, both are still used today.
In 1925, the then Commissioner of Police, James Mitchell toured
the United States of America and parts of Europe to make a detailed
study of other police services. Upon his return two major changes
were implemented. These were a dramatic increase in the number of
Police Motorcycles and Cars, and the establishment of the Public
Safety Bureau. The Bureau was initially created to deal with drivers
who exceeded the speed limit, but later was expanded to encompass
all manner of police duties.
Now police have a variety of vehicles at their disposal
including: motorbikes, patrol cars, specialist cars, prison vans,
four wheel drives and rescue vehicles.
The
police fleet totals 3300 vehicles. It is the largest NSW
Government fleet and the biggest police fleet in Australasia.
Each year Fleet Management process around 5600 new
and used vehicles that together travel more than 129 million
kilometres.
The fleet has a capital replacement value of $90
million and generates annual spending in the motor industry of
$170 million.
To provide the quality service we have come to
expect, police need the use of patrol cars, trucks, motor cycles,
buses, trail cycles, snow cruisers, tractors, fork lifts, caravans
and trailers.
It is the job of Fleet Management to make sure
each vehicle is registered, mechanically serviced, has compulsory
third party insurance and is properly equipped.
They are also responsible for negotiating the
vehicle leasing contracts and ensuring all vehicles meet the
Australian Design Rule Standards.
Ford Falcon & Holden Commodore
Specifications
-
4 litre 6 cylinder engine (Ford Falcon).
-
3.8 litre V6 cylinder engine (Holden
Commodore).
-
5.7 or 5.8 litre V8 engine (Holden
Commodore/Ford Falcon on high speed pursuit).
-
Modified suspension.
-
Independent rear suspension (IRS) (Holden
Commodore).
-
Anti skid braking system (ABS).
-
Limited slip differential (LSD).
-
Performance tyres.
-
Dual air bags.
-
Calibrated speedometer.
-
Heavy duty electrical system.
-
Large capacity fuel tank (Holden Commodore).
-
Performance brake pads.
Police Equipment Specifications Emergency
warning system consists of:
-
electronic siren with wail and yelp
-
flashing headlights
-
ripple lights for 360 degree visual warning
-
alley lights
-
take down lights
-
digital message system which provides up to 30
pre programmed messages
-
decals and helicopter ID numbers
-
police radio
-
breath screening device: Lion SD2 or DS190
dual screening device (Alcohol meter)
-
rechargeable torches, with red wands
-
first aid kit: Laederal face mask with one way
valve
-
batons
-
fire extinguisher
-
mobile radar and mobile speed cameras are also
used.
Police Motor Cycles
The NSW Police Service has two types of bikes - the
BMW K1100 and Honda ST 1100
All police officers are given rigorous training at the Police
Driving Training School in Goulburn.
Take a look at some of the NSW Police Vehicles
- Some from the past and some from to-days fleet.
Click your choice below to see vehicles.
