Network
Police officers have a difficult, often thankless job, and many a gearhead has been on the receiving end of a speeding citation that may taint our view of officers of the law. But as it were, many cops are car fans themselves, and among their many duties is to reach out the community and engage the locals as a means of uncovering and preventing crime. So what better way to do that than with high performance muscle car?
Mustang Evolution came across a contest where police municipalities from across the country are competing for in the Police Vehicle Design Contest…and there is not one, but two Mustangs entered in the Community Outreach category.
The first entry in the Community Outreach (DARE) class comes from Peoria, Illinois. The car is a 1999 “New Edge” Mustang that was donated to the department’s Crime Stoppers program. While it looks like this Mustang began life as a V6 model, a variety of modifications including a hood scoop, body kit, custom exhaust, and JBL sound system have taken this V6 up a notch in terms of engaging the youth. It is still a police car though, and features a fully-functioning lightbar and strobes, in addition to the attention-grabbing paintjob and vinyl graphics. This ain’t no undercover car.
But can it beat out the entry from Saginaw, Michigan? Unlike the Peoria car, the 2007 Mustang entered by the Saginaw department is a V8-powered GT model, confiscated from a local drug dealer. The message? “Crime doesn’t pay.” Not very original, and the car itself is quite demure compared to the entry from Peoria, though that isn’t a bad thing, as it can easily be used for undercover interdiction work. Also adding “Taken from a drug dealer” to the door may get the message to would-be street pharmacists that the police can confiscate anything you buy with your ill-gotten money. Like the other Mustang, this one also features working lights and a PA system, though it would be much easier to hide on the side of the road, we think.
The competition is currently ongoing, and you can vote for your favorite if you so desire. There are also a number of Crown Vics, Hummers, Explorers, and even a Chevy HHR to choose from…but we’re only interested in the Mustangs, and with good reason. Because it’s the best!
