Charger Patrol Cars

[madonal]

I am currently doing some research on the Chargers and our department is considering purchasing a few. I am supposed to be getting an 07 demo from DMX in the next few days. I have read alot of good articles on them but I need to see if anyone here has been using them over the last year or so, and if so could you reccomend some areas that need to be looked at or considered more closely. I would really appreciate any input. I have to complete the reasearch by the end of the year. Thanks everyone.

[bps]

The Iowa State patrol has approximatley 11 chargers on the road right now. They are also testing them to see how well they perform. I have talked to a couple guys that have them and have heard some things about them during coffee also. So far, everyone likes them. They are great when it comes to speed and handling. The interior is supposed to be about the same size as the Ford. The only complaint I have heard is that the trunk size is smaller then the Ford, and some local agencies have went to only a donut in the trunk to mazimize available space.

[Roosevelt50]

My dept has had one for a while. I thiink they are better designened for daytime traffic enforcement. There are issues with line of sight with the Apillers and the rear window. Also dodge has installed some contraption that makes it impossible to do a three point turn as you would in any other police vehicle on the market. For some reason it will not engage the gear until the RMP's are below 1500, So your sitting in the middle of the road an extra few seconds. On the other hand the speed and torque are second to none.

[JDCOP]

Our department has one waiting on the second. Me personally it drives and handles well but the visibility on front and rear windshield are bad. Especially since we have the shotgun mount up and behind the head that decreases the rear visibility even more. My personal opinion the crown vic is great but each person has their own opinion. When I'M assigned the charger I swap out for a Vic if I can.

[Roosevelt50]

Go Go Gadget... did you ever find the answer to turning off the ESP completly? I'm intrested to know how. If Ford could match the power I'd be sold but Dodge Really cornered the police package market with the Charger. The sight issues I refered to were more to the left and right. The hesitation with the gearing system is hard to explain but it's definitly there. The charger will not allow you to engage a gear until the vehicle is fully stopped or the RPM's fall below 1500. It's a minor flaw that you can adapt to but seems to be a real pain when your in a hurry.

[yellowreef]

Haven't gotten them at my station YET but they are sure sweet looking :cool:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?guid=CE87322E-E776-46D4-9752-C2C6545CACF4&webtag=ins

[PhilipCal]

Alabama Department of Public Safety intends to evaluate the Charger patrol vehicles in 2007. I don't know exactly how many vehicles will be purchased, but I'll try to stay up to date with the evaluation.

[Roosevelt50]

Thanks GoGo Gadget..I'll try it when I'm also ready for a new set of treds.