The New York Police Department is updating its classic police cruisers to become more high-tech and environmentally friendly, while prioritizing officers’ safety and comfort.
The department recently unveiled the design of its new electric Ford SUV, which features stylish green racing stripes, 360-degree cameras and QR codes on each vehicle.
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said the department’s new patrol vehicle — white with green racing stripes and blue lettering for the NYPD logo — is a modern take on their iconic blue and white patrol car.
“The NYPD RMP is iconic,” Sewell said at the annual State of the NYPD Breakfast in Midtown. “We are exploring potential design changes as we speak.”
RMP stands for radio motor patrol, a name from the 1930s still used to describe NYPD vehicles.
According to Sewell, each new vehicle is equipped with a QR code printed on the outside of the vehicle that will allow the public to scan and connect to the NYPD’s websites.
The design also features an updated interior and a wraparound 360-degree camera to monitor the streets at all times.
It’s not clear whether the camera will be mounted on the roof of the vehicle or embedded inside.
Sewell said the design will “ensure the safety of our officers have a QR code to improve customer service and a revamped interior for a more efficient and comfortable work environment for our officers.”
According to the department, Ford’s all-electric Mustang Mach-E Sport Crossover Utility Vehicles are expected to completely replace the classic four-door “police interceptor” sedans by 2024.
The SUV was previously unveiled at the 2022 New York Auto Show and comes with ballistic doors and windows.
“With a new look outside and a more comfortable feel inside — this potential new design for our fleet encompasses input from our members while representing the traditions of the police department,” Sewell later tweeted.
However, not all officers were happy with the change.
“Is it the Department of Parks? Is it the Department of Sanitation? No, it’s the NYPD,” one police officer said.
Others believe it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.
“It’s a waste of money if you ask me. The city’s crying for money, so why not just leave things as is?”
Still, some officers were happy to see the change.
“It’s nice to see change, especially when the NYPD flag is displayed, which defines over 175 years of dedicated officers for the city of New York,” one officer told The Post.
The department, which has been shifting to hybrid and electric SUVs since it retired its sedans in 2020, has a fleet of over 6,000 vehicles.
The quantity and cost of the new vehicles have not yet been disclosed.
