A police car has been on patrol for four hours. The cops see a robber in a car and they give chase. Unbeknownst to them, their EV cop car, which moments ago showed a range of 100 miles, is now down to 20 miles—and the car slows down, the robber gets away. That is the future of policing in California.
“In a published city council report, Menlo authorities claim that officers “appreciated the acceleration, steering, and vehicle speed” but that there are issues offroading due to the autopilot safety not letting the police ride on curbs when needed.
Additionally, the size of the car leads to practical issues like their police belts and bulletproof vests jutting onto the passenger seat.
“The equipment overhangs the passenger seat making it nearly unusable. This is not an immediate issue, as the current patrol operations do not deploy two officers in every vehicle, but would limit the ability to transport personnel or change operations in the future. In particular, the passenger seat space would not allow training officers to comfortably sit next to a trainee for a 12-hour shift, preventing field training for new officers. The rear seats provide very little room for anyone detained or transported in the back of the car,” the report said.
BUT, they are saving the Planet and the criminal!! How dumb are our officials? No wonder California has a crime problem, the “justice” system has no common sense.
California police struggle with ‘unusable’ Tesla patrol cars after going green
The Irvine Police Department splashed out $150,000 on a customized Cybertruck.
By Nelson Espinal, The Express, 10/17/24 https://www.the-express.com/news/us-news/151915/california-police-tesla-patrol-cars-unusable
California Police departments are using electric Tesla patrol cars in a new green initiative – but complaints have emerged about the vehicles.
The change comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that all vehicles will be zero-emission by 2035 – and one police department, Irvine, bought a $150,000 Cybertruck.
It has led to a few learning curve issues, like considerations about the need for the vehicle to charge while a criminal is in the back.
The Menlo Park Police Department bought three Tesla Model Y cars for about $50,000 per vehicle, though police chief David Norris has said these are not the “patrol cars of the future.”
In a published city council report, Menlo authorities claim that officers “appreciated the acceleration, steering, and vehicle speed” but that there are issues offroading due to the autopilot safety not letting the police ride on curbs when needed.
Additionally, the size of the car leads to practical issues like their police belts and bulletproof vests jutting onto the passenger seat.
“The equipment overhangs the passenger seat making it nearly unusable. This is not an immediate issue, as the current patrol operations do not deploy two officers in every vehicle, but would limit the ability to transport personnel or change operations in the future. In particular, the passenger seat space would not allow training officers to comfortably sit next to a trainee for a 12-hour shift, preventing field training for new officers. The rear seats provide very little room for anyone detained or transported in the back of the car,” the report said.
Ukiah Police had apparent difficulties when they purchased two modified Tesla Model 3s for $150,000.
Police Chief Cedric Crook said there were issues with charger availability and only room for one prisoner.
“I’m not ready to put an officer in a Tesla,” the police chief told the San Fransico Chronicle.
The Fort Bragg Police Department went with five electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks and a parking lot filled with chargers, and police chief Neil Cervenka has reported better results.
“Tesla isn’t the right answer in the law enforcement market currently for electric adoption,” Cervenka told the Chronicle, “but there might be better options.
Ukiah and Menlo have also tried alternative options, as both cities say they are committed to meeting the environmental goals.
Atlas is busy shrugging.