GF Blue logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

How Police Will Interact with Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicle developer Waymo released a guide for first responders on how to interact with the company's fleet of self-driving vehicles.

October 17, 2018
How Police Will Interact with Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo released guidance for police and other first responders on how to interact with its fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacificas

Photo courtesy of Waymo

1 min to read


Autonomous vehicle developer Waymo has released a guide for how police, firefighters, and other first responders should interact with its self-driving vehicles.

The company has established a 24-hour telephone hotline for emergencies. Emergency responders will call the hotline to identify the numerical identifier of the vehicle (displayed on the front and rear windows), license plate, and any location information.

Ad Loading...

This guidance is based on the company’s fully self-driving Chrysler Pacifica, based on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It includes information from FCA’s Pacifica Hybrid Emergency Response Guide and is supplemented by information related to Waymo’s self-driving system.

Information in the guide includes how to identify a Waymo self-driving vehicle, where to access vehicle information in and around the vehicle, and how to shut off and tow the vehicle.

According to the guide, the Waymo vehicle uses sensors to identify police or emergency vehicles by detecting their appearance, sirens, and emergency lights.

Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., parent organization of Google. The company is currently running a trial of an autonomous ride-hailing business in Phoenix, Arizona, and has announced that the service will be available for public use by the end of 2018.

Read the full presentation here.

More Police

GovCast podcast graphic.
PoliceJuly 16, 2026

Why Public Fleet Success Depends on More Than the Vehicles

Tim Coxwell of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office discusses the projects shaping his fleet operation, including long-term work around vehicle selection, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost per mile.

Read More →
Cop car with the Havis and Pro-gard logo overlay
Policeby Staff WriterJuly 2, 2026

Havis Acquires Pro-gard Products

The acquisition brings together two manufacturers of public safety vehicle equipment under one company. Havis says the move expands its portfolio of products for outfitting law enforcement vehicles and other public safety fleets.

Read More →
RTA fleet new AI Ron360
Policeby Staff WriterJune 18, 2026

RTA Fleet Introduces AI Assistant for Fleet360 Platform

As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across public-sector operations, fleet software providers are finding new ways to incorporate the technology into everyday workflows. RTA's latest addition aims to simplify how users interact with fleet data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Police Fleet Innovator Award Winners GFX 2026
Eventsby Staff WriterJune 10, 2026

2026 Police Fleet Innovators Named

Meet the professionals finding new ways to solve some of law enforcement's toughest fleet challenges.

Read More →
A graphic of a dashboard for transactions.
Policeby News/Media ReleaseMay 28, 2026

Rynse Expands Nationwide Fleet Wash Access for Law Enforcement

The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Contract Cooperative purchasing contract aims to streamline procurement process for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.

Read More →
MD patrol boat on water
Policeby Staff WriterMay 20, 2026

Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet

A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
graphic of LEHR and Enforcement logos
Policeby Staff and News ReportsMay 19, 2026

LEHR Expands Florida Presence With Enforcement One Acquisition

LEHR has acquired Florida-based emergency vehicle upfitter Enforcement One, marking its eighth add-on acquisition.

Read More →
A graphic of police car lights and text.
Policeby News/Media ReleaseApril 10, 2026

Maryland’s Wicomico County Sheriff Adds Mustang GT Patrol Vehicles

The agency is also working with the Maryland Police Training Commission on a specialized high-performance driving course for deputies assigned to the vehicles.

Read More →
a showroom of EVs in DCAS NYC
Policeby Staff WriterApril 9, 2026

NYC Surpasses 1,000 EVs in Police Fleet

New York City now has the largest EV law enforcement fleet in North America, according to the city.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two police officers stand near a rooftop drone launch system, preparing equipment for a first responder program providing aerial support to emergency calls.
Policeby News/Media ReleaseMarch 26, 2026

Mooresville Police Department Launches Drone First Responder Program

The Mooresville Police Department has launched a Drone First Responder program, using drones to provide real-time aerial support and faster situational awareness during emergency calls.

Read More →