YRP vehicles 'best dressed' in Canada, magazine says
'Finished product "stunning", positive trendsetting example

YorkRegion.com
February 3, 2014
By Bernie O’Neill

The vehicles driven by York Regional Police have been named 2014’s “best dressed police vehicle” by a magazine that covers police forces in Canada.

“We quickly came to the conclusion that York Regional Police had a vehicle head and shoulders above the rest which best epitomizes the new ‘best dressed’ standard which takes into account looks and functionality,” Blue Line Magazine said in a recent cover story.

“The vehicle’s exterior lines not only show the uniqueness of the fleet but closer examination reveals that the red striping has a retro-reflective ‘watermark’ embedded with the York Regional Police motto of Deeds Speak.”

The transformation of the patrol vehicles from standard passenger cars to SUV type vehicles was noted.

“This change was found to be economical due to less maintenance requirements, better passenger space and easier outfitting. Although the initial price is higher, the vehicle is expected to have a longer street life and higher trade-in value.

“The V-6 engine has a low energy mode which kicks in for extended idle times saving on fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions.

“In-car computer design allows use by both driver and passenger without interfering with air-flow and air bag deployment.”

YRP vehicles feature “new security locks for both shotgun and carbines”.

An ergonomic keyboard holder was studied and experimented with for over two years.

The keyboard can be used by both the passenger and the driver in a safe and efficient manner while still making it universal enough to incorporate a wide variety of keyboard styles.

Vehicles are also equipped with front and rear in-car cameras and audio recording features to capture events taking place in front of the cruiser and in the back seat, according to the article.

Ease of access to equipment such as first aid kits, ropes etc. is also possible due to the SUV configuration.

“The card swipe is mounted on the cruiser dashboard. It contains a barcode reader that reads magnetic swipes as well as the 2-D swipe on newer driver’s licences.”

The magazine says it took more than two years of study and research to bring the final vehicle together – with coordination between fleet management, technical support, senior management, the clothing and equipment committee, corporate clients and private sector fabricators.

“The finished product is simply stunning and a positive trendsetting example for others.”

Second place went to the Vancouver Police Department and third to the Montreal police service.

Blue Line Magazine has held its Best Dressed contest since 2005.