More than a sleek appearance, IUPD Dodge Chargers increase technology

IU Police Department’s fleet of sleek Dodge Chargers is recognizable for its looks and unconventional body style when compared to other police cars.

The department replaced the former and more typical appearing police packaged Ford Crown Victoria models in 2007.

“We were told Ford was going to discontinue their police packaged Crown Victoria model so we switched to Dodge,” IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said.

Besides a change in overall appearance, the car brings the police force other benefits.
“The car is a little quicker,” Lt. Craig Munroe said. “Crown Victorias seem to float at high speeds but the Chargers tend to hug the road better.”

The Charger is also cheaper and more fuel efficient, and the police packaged model comes with some pre-wiring and a larger battery.

Although the 3.5 liter, six-cylinder engine is smaller than the Ford models, the car is more than 300 pounds lighter. 

Once the vehicles are purchased, a separate company outfits the cars with electronics that fit the officers’ needs. Owens Communications Inc., located in Bloomington, has worked on various IUPD vehicles.

Although much of the equipment in IUPD’s fleet is older, new equipment to outfit a police car can cost up to $15,000.

The modifications include installing the partition inside the vehicle as well as the numerous outside lights.

“We want to have 360 degree lighting on these vehicles,” Gerard said. “It is important for it to be noticeable when going through an intersection or making a stop.”

Besides the light bar that is drilled to the roof, the car is fitted with grill lights and rear deck lighting.

The current light bars are the same as the ones on the former IUPD marked Crown Victorias, and new light bars may cost up to $1,400.

The cars are also outfitted with a printer and a video camera that records video through the cars’ windshield. Although officers might turn on the dashboard-mounted camera manually, every time the overhead lights are initiated, the camera begins recording.

“It records evidence that may be used in court,” Munroe said.

He explained it is easier to convict an individual for driving under the influence if it is recorded on camera.

“I can explain to a jury that a person’s eyes were bloodshot and that he was leaning against his car during a sobriety test, but it is still my opinion,” Munroe said. “If there are doubts, the tape will be there.”

If the recordings capture no useful events, they will be erased and reused.

IUPD relies on government grants to purchase its video equipment.

“The money from alcohol and drug arrests goes to the state, which they will in turn disperse back to the 92 counties, and some of that will get back to us,” Monroe said.

Although there are performance advantages to the Dodge Charger, Government Sales Manager Sam Roberts of Town and Country Dodge said he believes it is the appearance that is the key difference between it and other police car models.

“It has a youth-oriented appeal,” Roberts said. “It appeals to young male cops that like the aggressive look.”