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Michigan State Police Vehicle and Motorcycle Evaluations Help Inform Purchasing Decisions

NCJ Number
251121
Date Published
2017
Length
2 pages
Annotation

This report describes the features and benefits for law enforcement agencies of the Michigan State Police's (MSP's) Police Vehicle Evaluation Model Year reports.

Abstract

Every fall since 1975, the MSP has evaluated patrol vehicles and published the results. Motorcycle evaluations are also provided. Starting in 1981, sponsorship of the testing has come from the U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System. The testing is done in a closed course environment that simulates real-world driving conditions. Testing encompasses all the capabilities needed on an emergency run or a pursuit. Vehicles are tested for dynamics, acceleration, top speed, braking, ergonomics, communications, and fuel economy. All vehicles are tested with a "clean roof," meaning there are no overhead lights or light bars, spotlights, radio antennas, sirens, or other emergency equipment, and with the manufacturers' original tires. Reports include photos and descriptions of all vehicles evaluated, including a specified section of highlights from the manufacturer. Subsequent sections of reports provide information on methodology and testing results for each vehicle. MSP evaluated a dozen 2018 model year vehicles from Ford, GM, and Chrysler in September 2017, along with seven motorcycles from Harley Davidson, BMW, Zero (electric), and Yamaha. These results will be available online at JUSTNET after their compilation (https://justnet.org/compliant/Vehicle-Testing.html). Fleet administrators and other law enforcement administrators have used data from the evaluations to inform their purchasing decisions.

Date Published: January 1, 2017

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