Oct 8, 2019 · The first police cars in America showed up at the end of the 19th century. In fact, the very first police car anywhere was a wagon powered by electricity used in Akron, Ohio, in 1899.

Feb 5, 2025 · Early days of police car making were key to law enforcement’s growth. Big names like Ford and Chevrolet made cars just for police. They faced big hurdles, like needing special gear and finding materials.

Jul 4, 2019 · These are some of the archive photographs of police cars used by one UK police force for almost a century. Greater Manchester Police's museum has collated hundreds of photographs of...

Mar 30, 2009 · Modifications were limited -- rudimentary markings and a variety of lights were the only things that set most early police cars apart from regular cars. It wasn't until after World War II that U.S. auto companies began offering "police packages."

Jun 20, 2023 · Did you know the first official police car emerged in Detroit 1909? Prior to police cars, police officers were on foot as a means to maintain control and offer peace throughout cities around the United States.

Rarely was an early-day police car equipped with a two-way radio, or even a receiving only (one-way) radio! The officer was not protected from any prisoners in the back seat; there is no evidence of any sort of cage or barrier in early police cars.

Jun 7, 2021 · Just about every police car in the 1940s was coming out of Detroit from the Big Three: Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler. As the cops ordered more and more cruisers, the auto manufacturers started to notice a pattern. Most police cars left their factories with similar options.

Evolution of the Police Car. In the early 1900s, law enforcement agencies only had one choice for the color of their vehicles: black. It wasn't until later that some of the more adventurous departments began experimenting with white vehicles. Some even chose to paint the word "Police" on the sides.

Throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and up into the 70’s most police vehicles were equipped with the largest engines, four barrel carburetors, and the entire “police package” including the interceptor engine to give the police the best chance at catching the young kids in their “muscle cars.”

Oct 17, 2016 · The models offered six police pursuit engines ranging from 230, 318 V-8 to the 325 horsepower Special Police pursuit models. From 1971-1973, the Dodge Polara Police Pursuit models were offered for law enforcement agencies along with the popular Dodge Coronet and the B-model Tradesman van.