No More Tahoes
The Chevrolet Tahoe was to have been Chicago’s police car of the future, but the city appears to be putting the brakes on plans to replace the aging fleet of Ford Crown Victoria squads with the bulky sport-utility vehicle.
In 2008, the Daley administration inked a three-year contract with a Hodgkins auto dealer to provide the Chicago Police Department with up to 2,000 of the SUVs, with a goal of supplanting its existing fleet of aging “Crown Vics,” a popular — and less expensive — sedan that is stopping production this month.
But as of August, the city had just 611 Tahoes in its patrol armada and appears to be rethinking a strategy that was backed by former police Supt. Jody Weis, the Better Government Association has learned.
Here's a funny thought though - unless the city buys another 10 to 15 cars per district, this manpower shift everyone is talking about where the bulk of officers are on the streets from 2000 hours until 0400, isn't going to happen since we don't have the equipment available to field the bodies currently on the watches. Days will get their pick of the cars, but afternoons and midnights? Either foot posts, bike posts or phantom assignments because we run out of cars constantly and riding 3 deep in a cage car isn't happening.
Labels: department issues
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
70 Comments:
What are the chances of the new Ford interceptors? They sound good...
Maybe they can find us a replacement that won't flip over on fast turns and maybe even something that won't get STUCK like these stupid trucks, in Chicago's snow and ice.
The weasel only liked the suv's because the Fed uses them. The difference is, no police work gets done on the federal commute between the Dirkson building and Naperville. It's a different story on midnights in the City.
HELP WANTED
21st century police officers of the future. Must be tech savvy, multilingual and have one year of roller skating experience.
Experienced Jammers welcome
http://svrollergirls.wordpress.com/roller-derby-a-glossary/
Get the chargers. Crown vics sent fear up crimals spines and the charger is a mean looking car.
I heard Jersey boy wants an RV instead of a Tahoe... easier to carry on with the hired help while he's on the road!
Quote: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." -------William Jefferson Clinton
Get rid of those cameras also. If Meeks wants cameras then pass the collection plate.
well many Ford Plant are stating that the Explorer is the next Squad per a commander
Why not just put 10 guys in the back of a squadrol like that scumbag Watch Commander Lt.Pete DiFrancisco forced his guys in 025 to do about 15 years ago?
cars have been tested. the bosses like the charger; but say it's way too much car for us. we will be getting ford explorers or even their tiny cousin the escape.
For the love of God!! Please stop saying that name. The mental picture of those misplaced eyes fighting for space alongside that misaligned nose is just something I'm trying to block out. Like a bad, bad, bad, bad marriage. Please.
DEAR G-MAC
DONT CLOSE THE 13 DISTRICT!
CLOSE 7.
CHOP UP SEVEN LIKE A UNDERCOOKED BUTT STEAK.
MAY BE RAHM CAN HAVE THOSE MYSTERY DONATER GIVE US SOME SQUAD CARS.
I CANT WAIT TO GET BACK IN THE GROOVE OF 3 JOB A DAY ONCE ALL THOSE PRIMA DONNA FROM DAYS HITS AFTERNOONS.
AND THEN I CAN BURN UP MY TIME DUE ON THE WEEKENDS.
I AM SO GLAD SINCE U HAVE BEEN ARE LEADER U HAVE SOLVED ALL CRIME PROBLEMS.
I WISH U AND UR "FAMILY" A LONG AND HAPPY STAY IN CHI-TOWN (THATS CHICAGO).
P.S.
HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN DUMPED BECAUSE OF COMP-STAT. I WENT TO A MEETING AND FOUND THAT ALOT OF WHITE SHIRTS SHOULD PICK UP A CLASS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.
TOOOO MANY COMMANDER DONT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON!
For snow and ice you want 4wd or at least front wheel drive.
The problem with rear wheel drive SUVs (and most other rear wheel drive vehicles) is no weight on the drive wheels. Truck framed vehicles with rear wheel drive are worse than rear wheel drive cars because while they are fairly heavy, most of the weight is up front.
I never understood why anyone would buy a rear wheel drive SUV in Chicago for anything. Even rear wheel drive pickups suck in the snow and ice.
Given the lack of need for police vehicles to be engaged in high speed pursuits within the city, one would think there would be some kind of decent alternative.
Ford has these new Interceptor . There was an article about it in the Tribune last week.
I like my Tahoe, best police car yet. I will buy a Tahoe as my retirement car with 18 months.
Count on more foot posts. He's from NY and they do a lot of that there.
The new Ford squad cars are being made at 130th and Torrence. It would make political sense to go with Ford, but who knows what we are getting with these fools.
They should stick with the ford brand. Ford has the new interceptor AWD in a car and suv version. Check out fords website and see the video. the city even had a link to the site in iclear.
Why not get the new Ford package, its made right here in Chicago. It has a better engine with 20& better fuel. It can also use flex fuel too.
It can be ordered with a all wheel drive set up which would be great here.
This comes in a sedan or suv style.
The mayor might also want to note that this was suggested a few months ago by some retired guys, who were ignored.
By the way, the new chevys are made overseas.
whatever they buy I hope they still have an fm stereo like the tahoes--- going to the 4 and 2's and having a sound system in the car has put me in a better mood--- it has increased my production to 5 parkers a month and 15 park checks...
I like the Tahoe, except for the 2WD. Very roomy/comfortable and room to store your stuff in the rear. Also, the area to transport the prisoner is very easy to use.
However, if they get us 4WD explorers, I'd like that very much. Please leave the radio in the car, makes the tour go by very nicely.
They make the Fords in Chicago. What, no contract money to be stolen from the company that didn't take the Obama bailout money?
Keep the taxpayers money in Illinois! Buy the Fords!
The Impalas suck! Way too small.
"Patrol Armada"! I like that!
Do we get to have a Spanish Inquisition next?
My guess is the new ford interceptor, I heard it is supposed to be made at the ford plant on the southside. Let's encourage local job growth
"What are the chances of the new Ford interceptors? They sound good..."
And I believe they're built right here in our fair city, down on Lake Calumet. What could be better than home-gorwn?
And yet SWAT never received any new Tahoes.
I'd like to see the the new Taurus Interceptor/Explorer at least considered. It is made down on Torrence Ave, not Canada, so it would help to boost the Chicago economy. It is a departure from the standard RWD-V8 combo that has become the standard but if Ford can make it durable enough it should be an interesting option. Plus it is available in AWD and a 365 HP turbo version. Michigan State Police should come out with their 2012 comprehensive test of all cars soon (which should include the Taurus/Exp). The previous years tests are available here:
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123--16274--,00.html
As a Northern Michigan native I've experienced a bit of snow in my day. The Tahoes that the dept already owns would run MUCH better in the winter if they put winter tires on them for the winter months. This would cost maybe $600 per truck and will make a night and day difference compared to the all-seasons that they left on all winter. I personally would rather have 2WD with winters than AWD and all-seasons it makes that much of a difference.
Anyone else still driving the Crown Vics now being forced when they go to the pumps to put E85 in the tank? ....and now said Crown Vic runs like total shit with the engine lights permanently on. Car stalls out now, runs rough at idle, and stutters and chokes when you give it gas.
new york is huge on the new impalas... myself being 6'4 cant stand them.... please dont give us impalas... they blow the big donkey. I hear they are also looking at the new 2012 chevy caprice that is coming back. its rear wheel drive v8 is fast and good on gas... still smaller than the crown vic though but a little bigger than they impala.
Do they make a car that doesn't break under the lead foot, side swiping, dumpster creasing, curb hitting, food spilling, cigarrette smoking, bumper cracking, PDT yanking use by the police?
Yeah, Im worried how fast it goes or what it takes to flip one over.
These cars are trashed inside and out in 6 months or less right from the dealer, and that's the fault of the PO's using them.
"In 2008, the Daley administration inked a three-year contract with a Hodgkins auto dealer to provide the Chicago Police Department with up to 2,000 of the SUVs..."
Google “Chevy Dealers Chicago” and you will find four Dealers located in the city.
Why does the city buy from Hodgkins, IL?
Why doesn’t the city support a business located within Chicago, that employs Chicago residents?
The city could reap a ton of money in taxes by buying 2,000 cars from a Chicago dealer. The city gets no tax revenue from Hodgkins.
Who is getting the grease???
Sir Donkey said...
Why not just put 10 guys in the back of a squadrol like that scumbag Watch Commander Lt.Pete DiFrancisco forced his guys in 025 to do about 15 years ago?
--------
I remember it well...
One of the officers T.M. had a heart attack . . . he just died about a year ago.
RIP Buddy.
Fuck all these COWARD scumbag bosses.
daley got the graft from the previous deal. rahm wants a cut so it has to change.
Anonymous said...
cars have been tested. the bosses like the charger; but say it's way too much car for us. we will be getting ford explorers or even their tiny cousin the escape.
9/19/2011 04:47:00 AM
***********
The Explorer might be OK, but the Escape is too tight to use with a duty belt and the computer in the middle. Hell, a minivan has much more room than an Escape.
The Chevy Tahoe's were a "fed" thing. I think it was a great idea for every sector sgt to have one. Lots of room for traffic cones, crime scene tape, baby seats, reports, extra ammo, and more but bad idea with no four wheel drive. Any new cars hitting our fleet should be front wheel drive. Think about our winters boys and girls. A rear wheel charger makes absolutely no sense.
cars have been tested. the bosses like the charger; but say it's way too much car for us. we will be getting ford explorers or even their tiny cousin the escape.
9/19/2011 04:47:00 AM
I would think the Explorer would cost too much money as a Police fleet. I'm not sure about the Escape though, not big or strong enough to handle the job. Look at those shitty Impalas the city experimented with- Horrible. Plus, after this year Ford is dropping the Escape. I know this because we were actually looking for one for the wife.
Remember when the suburbs used the dodge Intrepid? I've had several officers tell me how those cars fell apart. Just couldn't handle it.
@ 04:47:00 AM...
"The bosses like the Charger; but say it's too much car for us."
The "bosses" said the same thing about to 1994 to 1996 Chevy Caprice 9c1 Police Package (there were 94 - 96's on the streets but they were the 4.3L/265 c.i. fleet/taxi package... total dog) with the detuned Corvette engine. Even though CTA special enjoyment's entire fleet consisted of the 9c1's. We called 'em the "Rocket Chevy's." Best Police package CPD never had.
The "bosses" even said the said the same thing about the older (ca. 1985 to 1992) 9c1 Package which was basically a Chevy 1500 truck chassis with truck trans, truck rear end and a 350 c.i. truck motor tuned for torque/great acceleration from a standing start, with a sedan body. The 1990 model came with fuel injection and even more torque. More than a few were wrecked because people had a hard transition from Toyota/Honda/small cars period to a beast twice the size, twice the power and nearly 3x's the torque.
The Charger isn't too much car.
People just aren't learning how to drive powerful rear drive sedans like they used to and the "bosses" are still trying to accomplish everything on the cheap as far as training. You introduce something new to the fleet, the Department should be trained how to operate it.
When the front drive Impalas started showing up we raised a question as to whether the department was going to conduct training on them. A car isn't just a car in Police Work. It's kind of silly to plunk a FWD vehicle in the midst of a RWD fleet and expect things not to happen...
(similar situation with the Tahoe... 6500lbs, summer racing tires, 140 mph capable but top heavy, blind spots galore and not enough braking endurance)
Different handling dynamics when 60% of a vehicle's weight is on the front wheels and FWD.
Charger is fine... Chevy Caprice catches our eye because of the depth of GM and there will be parts for the next 20 years.
Ford Taurus? Ecoboost (because it's overweight) & all-wheel drive would be the ticket for Chicago's climate but we do not see fleet properly maintaining something like that...
Ford's electronic/computer interface suite is going to give the Daley Inc. suppliers & fleet mgmt fits because they'll be unable to tap into the first hot wire to install THEIR bullshit without voiding the warranty and FUBAR-ing the vehicle.
Ford makes some of the most rugged and durable trucks... The Crown Vic always struck us as intentionally underpowered and fragile as compared to the 9c1 350 c.i./5.7L Chevys.
We'll see... Oh yeah... Mopar should have named the Charger, Polara instead! ;^)
You need Smart Cars. Hopefully this will compensate for the Dumb Supervisors which comprise the Meritorious Promotion Factor.
Interesting how most ideas that Jfled tried to sell us on are now doing a complete 360. Somebody's full of shit.
Not enough cars to go around? No problem. Put three or four cops in a car. Hitch a trailer to the back if need be. A couple of lazy boys and table to play cards would be nice.
The only camera Rev./Senator/Con Artist Meeks should get is the one the doctor sticks up his ass.
Maybe they can find us a replacement that won't flip over on fast turns and maybe even something that won't get STUCK like these stupid trucks, in Chicago's snow and ice. The weasel only liked the suv's because the Fed uses them. The difference is, no police work gets done on the federal commute between the Dirkson building and Naperville. It's a different story on midnights in the City.
Why are you making fast turns in the first place stupid. As for the snow these trucks are two wheel drive so they are useless.
CPD Patrol Car of the Future:
Volvo S60.
* Six-cylinder Turbocharged Engine
* All wheel drive
* 325 hp (6500 rpm)
* "The Volvo symbol, with that easily-recognizable slashed grille, literally means "rolling strength"; in many ways, the brand has come to be forever associated with excellent crash-test durability and a near-indestructible nature."
Read more:
Volvo making safety sexy.
http://www.nsnews.com/Volvo+making+safety+sexy/5375637/story.html
A chevy tahoe is a 5500 pound police vehicle, if one cannot drive it in ice or snow its because one does not know how to drive in ice and snow. No need for 4 wheel drive. Been driving chevy suburbans and tahoes since 1995 without a need for 4 wheel drive. Only time we use four wheel drive is in Berrien County Michigan in winter or taking the boats in and out of the water. As for pursuits who is the FOP Vice President trying to fool? Pursuits are few and far between these days.
The Tahoes were not Weis' idea.
Daley decided to get them in 2006 as a bone to Advantage Chevrolet in Hodgkins. Period.
OT: So, was DTEB confirmed today, or not?
sweet heart deal...
Damn, sometimes this Blog talks too much!
buy the smart car we dont need cages we are just a bunch of report writer and when you have arrest call for a cage...lol
My department uses mostly chargers now as our crown vics wear out. They are better in the snow than the crown vics, as they have the positrac rear ends that prevent alot of the fish tailing, and they corner better, but with the sport suspension, you really feel every pothole. There is plenty of room up front, not so much behind the cage. While I'm not so concerned about prisoner comfort, it can be a real pain getting a bigger guy in there, especially if he is combative. Lastly, they seem to have some durability issues, as we've had several in the shop, some for major work, all in the first year.
The explorers and new police interceptors are way small inside for their size. Car magazines even complain about their drivers not having enough space to be comfortable. I couldn't imagine driving one those with all the gear, PDT, etc. in the way. The Charger is a bit small too for its size, but still bigger than the new police interceptor or Impala.
Good now with no Tahoes we can go back to vehicle chases
Anonymous said...
"Patrol Armada"! I like that!
Do we get to have a Spanish Inquisition next?
9/19/2011 10:03:00 AM
I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!
If you cannot drive a 2 wheel drive SUV like the tahoe in the snow you are one non driving mofo. If we are talking about a normal snowstorm like we get around here they work just fine. If it's a once in a lifetime event like last February, well nothing could move then. Keep asking for Ford Focuses, or Impalas or whatever. You want some discomfort, then those are the cars for you. Oficer, duty belt, computer with a mount? In an accident, it's a deathtrap.
..The city could reap a ton of money in taxes by buying 2,000 cars from a Chicago dealer. The city gets no tax revenue from Hodgkins.
The city pays NO sales tax. It is a government entity and as such, is immune from sales tax on its purchases. So point of purchase has no impact on revenue to the city.
the city is looking at these....
http://www.chevroletcapriceppv.com/?seo=goo_|_2010_Police_|_Fleet_Caprice_PPV_|_New_Launch_PPV_|_caprice_ppv#home
And yet SWAT never received any new Tahoes.
9/19/2011 10:20:00 AM
I guess we just assumed that with your capes you could just fly wherever you wanted to go.
CPD patrol cars of the future. Yabba dabba dooooooo.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
OT: So, was DTEB confirmed today, or not?
9/19/2011 05:28:00 PM
yes he gone!
http://darien-il.patch.com/articles/city-council-approves-police-chief-appointment-by-4-3-vote
Caprice is too small and the high beltline limits visibility. Better option would be a front wheel drive Ford Escape. More front seat room, taller seating makes a day of in and out much easier, much more visibility, yet smaller than the Tahoe (for those narrow side streets) and with front wheel drive can handle 99.9% of our weather.
---Anonymous said...
"Patrol Armada"! I like that!
Do we get to have a Spanish Inquisition next?
9/19/2011 10:03:00 AM
I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!--
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!!
Anonymous said...
"Patrol Armada"! I like that!
Do we get to have a Spanish Inquisition next?
9/19/2011 10:03:00 AM
I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!
9/19/2011 07:37:00 PM
Nobody does!
Most of you guys complaining about the Tahoes are mushes!! You wanted new cars and now are unhappy..goofs. How bout this... The city will buy what they want weather you or I like it or not and yes... You will drive it and like it. So who really gives a fuck.. Front wheel drive, rear wheel..all wheel...just be happy to have a car with air and heat.
Give Me A 1977 thru 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, with the Police Package. Takes A Licken, and Keeps On Ticken.
The tahoes with the police package have a lower suspension to prebvent rollovers during pursuits. They cannot fit the mechanics of a 4wd system inside that lower suspension. That is why they are only 2wd.
Just about every morning on the 290 I see a car carrier hauling 3-4 new CPD vehicles. Over the past year, it was mostly Tahoes, now it is a steady diet of Crown Vics (marked mostly). So there are still new Crown Vics coming in, although at only 3 to 4 per day (assuming there isn't another load or two coming in later in the day), that hardly makes a dent. The same hauler was bringing in the Tahoes, so clearly whoever is doing the decals, lights, and radios and so forth is yet another suburban connected company.
Anonymous said...
well many Ford Plant are stating that the Explorer is the next Squad per a commander
9/19/2011 03:30:00 AM
Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Mr. Foster Brooks
Anonymous said...
I like my Tahoe, best police car yet. I will buy a Tahoe as my retirement car with 18 months.
9/19/2011 08:45:00 AM
This is my Tahoe; there are many like it, but this one is mine......
The tahoes with the police package have a lower suspension to prebvent rollovers during pursuits. They cannot fit the mechanics of a 4wd system inside that lower suspension. That is why they are only 2wd.
9/20/2011 08:21:00 AM
Yup, and that 'police package' is going to be delivered and installed on our suv's any day now.
I hope the city is stocking up on Crown Vics...
The new Caprice sounds like an interesting car. 6 liter, RWD, with a 3.9 Liter option.
The new Tore-ass? i doubt it. That thing will be alot to fix when they break down. turbos blowing, intercoolers blowing, awd systems going. yeah right.
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