| A police car, police cruiser, squad car, | | | | a lot of money. As such, many departments |
| radio car, or patrol car is a vehicle used by | | | | prefer purchasing used police cars. |
| police forces in the United States to patrol | | | | |
| and temporarily detain and transport | | | | Police cars are usually normal cars, which |
| individual criminal suspects. The use of | | | | are upgraded with a police package generally |
| police cars has basically replaced the ritual | | | | offered by the manufacturers themselves. The |
| of officers or constables "walking a beat" in | | | | police package often alters the car in order |
| most jurisdictions. Supporters of community | | | | to facilitate greater durability, speed, and |
| policing have also asked police departments | | | | capability for high mileage driving. It is |
| to persuade officers to spend less time in | | | | also required to support the use of the |
| their vehicles and more time walking the | | | | electronic equipment used by police officers |
| streets and intermingling with the community. | | | | on patrol. These changes are made to improve |
| | | | performance and to increase the car's |
| Used police cars refer to second-hand cars | | | | longevity, which usually lasts from 7 to 12 |
| purchased by the police department in order | | | | years. |
| to economize on the expenses required in | | | | |
| purchasing a brand new car. It is a known | | | | Very often used police cars may be auctioned |
| fact that a police car needs to possess a | | | | off to the general public after they have |
| standard set of requirements as the job of a | | | | been used to the maximum possible extent by |
| police officer involves a lot of risks and | | | | the police departments. Generally, a few |
| dangers. These cars need to possess speed, | | | | modifications are made before transferring |
| power, and sturdiness, as police officers are | | | | the actual title of ownership to ordinary |
| often required to pursue criminals or | | | | citizens. This may include removal of |
| offenders in such cars. To purchase such | | | | performance enhancers, police sirens, and |
| cars, the department is required to shell out | | | | stickers bearing police insignia. |