Heads are turning to eye the new Ottawa police cruiser.
“It’s nice, it’s sharp. It’s very sharp,” said Insp. Chris Rheaume.
The 2013 Ford Interceptor patrol vehicle was revealed to media at police HQ on Elgin St. Friday morning.
The car, modeled after the Taurus, has been outfitted with new decals, which members voted on last month.
Blue lettering line the hood and doors on both sides, while a Canadian flag sits near the tail lights.
“Seventy five per cent chose this design, so the membership has spoken,” said Rheaume.
The old decal has white lettering over blue stripes.
The latest Interceptor bears reflective material, making it visible day or night.
Replacing the Crown Vic, the new Interceptor is 20% more fuel efficient for city and highway driving, said Staff Sgt. Sean McDade of fleet services.
The decals will be used for the next 12 to 15 years, McDade said.
The fleet of 58 cruisers cost $1.6 million and should be on the road come December.
Police haven’t decided which district — west, central, or east — will get to use the first new patrol car when it hits the pavement next week, Rheaume said.
kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca
@ottawasunkroche
REPLACEMENT OF MARKED PATROL VEHICLES
Year/ Quantity
2012/ 58
2011/ 58
2010/ 40
2009/ 57
Source: City of Ottawa
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