Dodge Improves 2017 Charger Pursuit Police Cars By Adding ‘Officer Protection Package’ To Prevent Ambush

Dodge is improving its 2017 Charger Pursuit cars in order to better the safety of the police officers. Thanks to the upgraded "Officer Protection Package," police cars are now equipped with an added security when parked.

According to CNET, a separate module, the InterMotive module, should be added by all departments. The module, also called "The Officer Protection Package," is plugged into the car's OBD-II diagnostics port right beneath the dashboard. So, in order to activate the new system, simply hit one single button. And the backup sensors will also be on whenever the whole system is activated.

FCA US: Officer Protection Package tech. now "at no cost to agency" in all 2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit LE Vehicles. https://t.co/dM7dmdUNMh

— Blue Line Magazine (@Blue_LineMag) February 9, 2017

The Officer Protection Package equipped in the 2017 Charger Pursuit utilizes the vehicle's parking radar and rear-facing cams. They have been repurposed in order to detect movement from behind.

So, if someone, be it a person or a massive dog, trips the sensors, it automatically alerts the police officer by setting off an alarm, more like a chime. After that, it turns on the rear-facing camera, wherein the officer can see what is actually happening out back. Then, it locks the doors and rolls up the windows and flashes the taillights.

This is clearly a brilliant leap by simply making use of standard civilian technology. Well, rear parking sensors and backup cameras have been part of the new tech in today's cars and Dodge is able to use them for something new. It also helps prevent ambushes which have been rampant these days.

One such incident, as Engadget reports, happened in San Antonio. A 20-year veteran detective was shot, fatally, while he was sitting in his vehicle during a traffic stop. "While it does not replace vigilance, [it] acts as a second set of eyes and provides police officers with added peace of mind when they are in a parked Charger Pursuit," Jeff Kommor, FCA Fleet CEO, said.

Originally, this specific technology, "Officer Protection Package," was developed by Supplier InterMotive in partnership with Ford. They opened it up to the military and also to automakers.

Fiat Chrysler, Dodge's parent company, is offering the "Officer Protection Package" for the 2017 Charger Pursuit for free to law enforcement. Well, of course, right after they purchase the vehicle.