Police Cars: Dodge Charger

 

In the 1960s and 70s every patrol cop’s dream car was the Dodge Charger. Why? Simple, because they were fast. Police departments liked them because they were affordable. The manufacturers saw to that, taking the lowest bid year after year. Soon, though, the Dodges seemed to fade into the sunset, being replaced by less expensive cars, such as Ford’s Crown Victoria (When cops say “vic” they’re usually referring to their car, not a victim. They usually say victim when referring to, well, a victim), and Chevrolet’s Caprice.

But, around 2006, the old Charger began to make a comeback. And guess what? They were still fast, and they were again priced competitively. For around $23,000 departments could pick up a fully-loaded Dodge Charger complete with dual spot lights, side air bags, and a couple of fancy rubber floor mats (carpeting, cop cars, and puking drunks don’t make for a good combination).

 

The state of Oregon added a few extras to their Chargers which brought the price tag to just under $30,000 each, still a real deal for a fully loaded police car.

Oregon’s extra features:

  • Prisoner partitions.
  • Emergency lighting system and siren.
  • Radio communications equipment.
  • Rear plastics prisoner transportation seats using factory installed safety belts.
  • Radar and in-car video systems.

Some of the police departments that have added Dodge Chargers to their fleets are:

Virginia State Police

Michigan State Police

Ottawa Police

 

Mt. Vernon, Alabama

Shaler Township, Pa. (Thanks to Joyce Tremel for the photo)

Guess who?

This one’s for Elena even though the sheriff didn’t drive a Charger.

5 replies
  1. Elena
    Elena says:

    What, no photo from my all time favorite movie the – infamous cop car ruined (excuse me) run by the infamous Sheriff Buford T. Justice! I am disconsolate.

    Joyce, I’m with you all the way on that thought 🙂

  2. JD Rhoades
    JD Rhoades says:

    Hell, even my tiny little town of Carthage, North Carolina has one of them, specially designated for “Traffic Enforcement.” The officers fight over who gets to use it.

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