Ford presents new line of ‘Police Interceptor’ vehicles
Automaker Ford presented its new line of Police Interceptor vehicles created for law and order agencies during an event Thursday that included test drives and exhibits at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
The Police Interceptor vehicles are highly rated for safety, durability and fuel economy, and are designed to be part of any police fleet around the world, company officials said.
“The Police Interceptors strive to exceed durability, safety and performance standards that accomplish citizen protection. This test drive is a unique opportunity to try the vehicle’s execution and for law and order agencies to test all the benefits,” said Mark Buzzell, general manager of Ford International Business Development for Puerto Rico, Caribbean and Central America.
The models presented have aesthetic similarities to Ford’s commercial vehicles, but have other exclusive attributes, including: Level III ballistic front door armor that comply with National Institute of Justice Standard requirements; sophisticated and special communications and intelligence equipment; and super sensitive radars that support the work of protection, investigation and pursuit, among other functions.
During this event, law and order personnel, clients, dealers and the press test drove Police Interceptor vehicles — both the sedan and SUV — in a closed circuit environment to experience their overall performance, maneuverability and braking system.
Some of the vehicles on hand for the test drives were provided by the Ana G. Méndez University System’s Institute of Safety and Protection, which owns six such vehicles completely equipped to support the tactical courses offered by certified, highly qualified instructors who train the future law enforcement officials.
“Ana G. Méndez University System’s Institute of Safety and Protection is proud to collaborate with the demonstration of the six Ford Interceptor vehicles used in our student trainings for police patrolling, transit interventions and operation drills,” said José F. Méndez, president of the Ana G. Méndez University System.
Three Ana G. Méndez University System branches — Universidad del Turabo, Universidad Metropolitana, and Universidad del Este — offer an associate’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis on safety and protection.