The City of Seattle is conducting a Police Patrol Car Pilot Project, which will be used to determine which currently available patrol car will replace the police department’s Ford Crown Victoria-based cars. According to a bulletin released by the FAS Fleet Management Division, the Seattle PD has used the Crown Victoria-based vehicles for almost 20 years.

The pilot project is evaluating six models: Chevrolet Caprice, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Charger, Ford Police Interceptor sedan, and Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle. Over the past six months, 180 officers have been participating in the project by testing out these models in their everyday patrol activities. Officers will make a recommendation to the Police Chief, who will make the final selection. The PD is expected to make a decision next month.

The Fleet Management Division replaces approximately 50-75 patrol vehicles each year; the entire patrol car fleet consists of 260 vehicles that will be replaced over the next six to seven years. On average, the patrol vehicle lifecycle at Seattle is five to seven years and/or 100,000 – 125,000 miles.

After the pilot is completed, all test vehicles will become part of the PD’s fleet and will be operated by the department through a full patrol car lifecycle.

Fleet Management expects replacement vehicles to cost between $43,000 and $52,000 with upfitting included. The City will pay for vehicles using existing replacement funds.

Government Fleet will report on Seattle PD’s decision when it is available.