Ford outlined a new surveillance system for police cars this weekend that will set off a chime, lock the vehicle's doors, and put up windows if it detects a person coming near the car from behind.
The system, called "Surveillance Mode," would be the first of its kind according to the Associated Press.
"It's like insurance. You hope you never need it. But if you do, it gives the officer a few extra seconds of warning," says Marc Ellison, vice president of operations at Auburn, Calif.-based InterMotive Inc. to the Associated Press.
InterMotive is working with Ford on the new system which they feel will eventually become available to all customers in the future.
The new system would also include backup cameras and sensors that usually only work when a vehicle is moving in reverse. Police officers would be able to use both features while their vehicle is in park. An image from the backup camera beams onto the rear-view mirror according to Ford, so the officer can keep an eye out for the rear of the vehicle.
If a person comes too close to the vehicle, four sensors set up near the rear bumper will be able to detect them.
"Surveillance Mode" is being designed to work during the day and night and can be turned off by an officer working in an area with a lot of pedestrians according to the Associated Press.
InterMotive sells "Surveillance Mode" for approximately $248.33 as a stand-alone option. For $75 extra, an officer can get a package of other options like dimmer for interior lights.
"I can tell you from personal experience at night that officer security is a critical concern," said Randy Freiburger, Ford police and ambulance fleet supervisor according to AutomotiveWorld.com. "Unfortunately, there are people with bad intentions who sneak up on police officers. This system builds upon the Ford Police Interceptor DNA that puts safety and security at the top of the list."
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