More retro police cruisers

Area police departments continue to turn back the clock on squad car designs. Last month, the State Patrol went back to its maroon and white look. Today, the Minneapolis Police Department took a stand for the retro look:

Says a news release this morning:

MPD will gradually replace its fleet of approximately 200 squad cars with these redesigned Fords which feature black front and rear ends with a large police badge on a white midsection. If this design looks familiar, it's because it is. The black and white design was last seen on Minneapolis streets in 1973 when MPD drove Dodge Coronets. In 1974, MPD went to the current all-white design on its Plymouth Furys.

Pictures pending.

Does a paint job alone really make it retro? Maybe they should rebuild a bunch of old Dodge Coronets, or maybe Dodge would like to develop an updated retro design of the same model? It seems like American car companies are more interested in reliving the past than developing new technologies anyway.

Heh. No, actually these new things are loaded with all sorts of crimefighting doodads.

According to the news release:
The new squad cars will have enhanced Mobile Data Computers (MDC) and use the 911 Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD) system, allowing officers to get more accurate information quickly. The MDCs will be integrated with the on-board digital camera system and permit automatic continuous video data collection, removing the possibility for human error in turning the cameras on and off. Some cars will be equipped with traffic signal preemptors, making it possible for traffic lights to be changed to green for emergency responders, and new low frequency sirens that are felt as a vibration as well as heard. Some squads will also be testing an Automatic License Plate Recognition system, which can help police find stolen vehicles and identify convicted felons, wanted individuals and vehicles involved in Amber Alerts.

I wonder if all that technology will put more cops on the street so when I call to report kids smoking dope and drinking in their car parked in front of my house at 3 or 4 in the afternoon, the cops will actually show up & get the delinquents off the road. Its not very reassuring when the 911 operator says "a squad will be dispatched immediately" and they never show up.

It's not really retro until they go this direction....

As long as I can recognize the headlights and taillights from a distance, I'm happy.

Dead giveaway it's a cop car (especially unmarked) No "hubcaps" or decent rims.