In a dynamic twist in law enforcement practices, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has embraced the use of officers’ personal vehicles as patrol cars. This policy, known as Police Subsidized Vehicles, enables officers to patrol neighborhoods in their own rides, which can often include powerful models that many would not associate with conventional policing.
While this practice may initially seem like a response to frustratingly long wait times for new police vehicle deliveries, it is essential to recognize that the guidelines allowing for subsidized personal vehicles have existed since 2015. The department faced significant vehicle backorder delays, with over 100 units ordered as far back as 2021, yet none had been delivered by the end of three years, limiting their ability to maintain visible patrols.
Dustin DeRollo, a spokesman for the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, touched upon this issue, stating, “Without police cars, our officers cannot be out patrolling our neighborhoods.” The combination of demand for police coverage and equipment shortages has forced the HPD to adapt its strategy significantly.
Interestingly, despite the recent focus on vehicle shortages, the policy for Police Subsidized Vehicles speaks to a longstanding tradition, with other police departments in Hawaii, such as those on the Big Island, also employing personal vehicles for patrols. While these vehicles are not officially police cars until adorned with blue lights, they still serve law enforcement functions effectively.
The HPD’s policy lists the criteria for what officers can utilize as personal police vehicles. For instance, while officers can use a Dodge Charger R/T, which is on the approved list, the more powerful Scat Pack variant, equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, is off-limits. Similarly, vehicles like the Ford Explorer ST with 400 hp are permitted, but anything marketed as a sports car, like Corvettes, falls outside the guidelines.
Among the stipulations, the department emphasizes practicality in vehicle selection. Vehicles must have a wheelbase of at least 100 inches, leaving out smaller sports models. Interestingly, while a C6 Corvette Z06 could technically meet the required wheelbase, it would not qualify due to limitations on engine displacement and categorization as a sports car.
Moreover, the policy dictates that all subsidized vehicles must run on 89 octane gasoline, which limits the types of personal vehicles eligible for use. This is especially noteworthy given that performance cars, such as the early 2000s Mustang Mach 1, often require higher-octane fuel for optimal performance.
Additionally, personal vehicles must comply with standards that ensure they are fit for police work. Vehicles need to have a minimum of four functional seat belts, should not sport political bumper stickers, and must not be convertibles. In terms of performance, the rules state that vehicles must accelerate to 60 mph in under ten seconds, setting a clear standard for speed and agility in policing scenarios.
The list of approved vehicles is comprehensive, highlighting the balance HPD seeks between effective policing and practicality. For instance, while the Toyota GR Corolla appears as a potential option due to its back seat availability, it gets disqualified because the guidelines state vehicles must have a minimum of four cylinders.
By contrast, a powerful vehicle like the Ford F-250 equipped with a robust diesel engine is also off-limits, as only gasoline engines are approved for use in subsidized vehicles. The department’s standardized requirements indicate a structured approach in ensuring that officers have suitable vehicles for their responsibilities, all while maintaining adherence to budgetary constraints.
Notably, the Chief of Police holds significant authority over the approval process of these vehicles. According to the policy, unless the Chief approves a specific vehicle, only those listed as authorized are permissible for use. This provision allows for more flexibility, as the Chief can authorize unique requests or vehicles that wouldn’t typically meet standard restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Honolulu Police Department has attracted interest due to its variance in vehicle selection seen on the streets. Reports indicate that among the local patrols, officers might be found in a mixture of models, including the muscular Mustang Mach 1, robust Toyota 4Runners, and classic classic Camaro body styles.
As cities rethink their approach to law enforcement, adaptations like those seen in Honolulu may become more commonplace, showcasing how necessity drives innovation within the police force. It points to a future where personal vehicles not only serve as modes of transport for officers but also reflect their individual styles while responding to the needs of their communities.
In a time marked by substantial challenges in maintaining appropriate police vehicles, the HPD appears to be navigating the demands of modern law enforcement head-on by embracing a blend of personal and performance-driven vehicles. The innovative use of the Police Subsidized Vehicles policy might just offer a roadmap for other departments facing similar shortages in their fleets.
image source from：jalopnik
