Branford Police Roll Out New Vehicles for 2014

The vehicles are no longer produced by Ford since 2011.

Captain Raymond Dunbar, who oversees the departments fleet, said Branford Police, like many other agencies, have had to outfit their patrol fleet with other vehicle options and our agency has decided on the 2014 Ford Explorer, the first of which will hit Branford streets Dec. 30. 

“We had the luxury of finding five (5), new, leftover Crown Victoria’s to purchase for last year which gave us an entire year to assess all of our patrol vehicle options for the upcoming year.” said Captain Dunbar, “By doing so, we could learn from a multitude of other police agencies who have made the transitions to a number of different manufactures and models and select the best patrol cruiser for Branford.”  

Captain Dunbar said the Ford Explorer seems to be the best fit for the agency and that the vehicle’s interior design accommodates the much need space for computers, electronic devices and a litany of equipment that patrol officers are require to have with them to police effectively. 

In addition, the Explorer is equipped with “All Wheel Drive” which has become a patrol cruiser necessity for the New England winters. 

Chief Kevin Halloran said that the feedback that he is getting from the officers is very positive. 

“Our officers spend upwards to 8 hours a day in these cruisers and they become their mobile office. I think Captain Dunbar has made a good selection balancing the needs of the officers and agency, the proven track record of Ford Police vehicles while remaining fiscally responsible to the citizens of this community.”