Ford police cars use technology to warn, protect officers on patrol

Ford says technology in its Ford Police Interceptor car models can warn and help protect officers from unexpected approaches to their vehicle from the rear. If the system detects a person approaching a Ford Police Interceptor from behind, it automatically sounds a chime, rolls up the driver's side window and locks all doors, Ford said in a release. The system employs existing Ford driver-assist technologies -- a backup camera, cross-traffic alert and reverse park assist -- to give police officers added situational awareness and a first line of defense from potential assailants, it said. The backup camera, combined with sensors that detect blind spots and parking obstacles, monitors the area to the rear of the vehicle. The system can be turned off in situations such as curbside urban settings where pedestrians would constantly set the alarm off, Ford engineers said. The system was developed by Randy Freiburger, Ford police and ambulance fleet supervisor, who rode along with officers on patrol. "I can tell you from personal experience at night that officer security is a critical concern," Freiburger said. Officers have to write reports, monitor an in-car computer or radar gun, and perform other tasks while sitting in the vehicle, and the surveillance mode gives them an extra set of eyes to help guard against threats, especially at night when visibility is compromised, Freiburger said. "Unfortunately, there are people with bad intentions who sneak up on police officers," he said. "This system builds upon the Ford Police Interceptor DNA that puts safety and security at the top of the list."