Dodge Durango Patrols

New Patrol Cars

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is taking a fresh approach to cracking down on speed demons and reckless drivers with their new fleet of Dodge Durango patrol vehicles, designed with stealth in mind. Seemingly just another face in the crowd, these covert operations cars are set to blend right into ordinary traffic.

Dodge Durangos

California’s latest tools in traffic law enforcement are 100 brand-new Dodge Durango Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles (SMPVs). These SUVs retain their original paint jobs, with only subtle graphics on the front doors giving away their real purpose. Hidden emergency light setups add to their undercover charms, making them practically invisible until it’s too late. Under the hood, each Durango boasts a powerful Hemi V8, giving it enough muscle to match up with unruly drivers on the road.

Highway Missions

CHP’s goal with these Durangos is to combat what they describe as “video game-styled” high-speed antics such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving through traffic. These savvy vehicles will help officers observe and tackle dangerous driving behaviors without immediately alerting the offenders. The plan is to deploy all 100 vehicles by June, bringing a new level of vigilance to the roads.

Technology & Features

Each covert Durango is equipped with sophisticated lighting hidden behind the front grille, along the windshield, below the rocker panels, and in the rear window. The police force’s strategy is nothing new, harkening back to the early 90s when they initially employed SMPVs to monitor truck drivers along the state’s highways. Nowadays, the CHP receives a staggering 1,000 reports of reckless driving daily. These vehicles should significantly bolster efforts to curb associated traffic fatalities and injuries.

Beyond California

It isn’t just California benefiting from such innovative policing. Over in Missouri, the state highway patrol is also adding stealthy Durangos to their squad. There’s a twist here, though, as these come with “ghost” graphics that blend right into the SUV at daytime but light up with reflectiveness when night falls. This enhancement ups the ante for undercover work, giving officers the leg up during nocturnal operations.

The Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Dodge Durango itself is compelling, thanks to the sheer power from that Hemi V8. Compared to other SUV police cars like the Ford Explorer Interceptor, the Durango boasts superior acceleration, which means it can keep pace with high-speed chases even on the highway. It handles well for an SUV, maintaining stability through turns despite its robust build. While the Durango may be known for its family-friendly features, in a police setup, it’s all about capability and performance.