Check Out Royal Oak's New Police Vehicles

A car chase that ended with a bank robbery suspect being taken into custody was captured in high definition on one of the Royal Oak Police Department’s newest patrol cars earlier this month. The riveting video is an example of the capabilities of a new state-of-the-art communication system and high-technology cruisers.

Officers used good tactics and judgment in the dangerous pursuit on April 10, according to Chief Corrigan O'Donohue. And, the black Ford Interceptor Officer Matt Murray was driving in the bad weather played a role, too. (See attached video.)

Murray's new cruiser is equipped with all-wheel drive for inclement weather and has new video capabilities.

High def video is a must-have

The Royal Oak City Commission approved the WatchGuard In-Car Video System for police last November.

"The new car video was an absolute must-have," said O'Donohue. The company that provided the department's previous video system went out of business.

"The technology has improved so much," O'Donohue said. "The quality and functionality of it is so much better. Video is such an important tool for law enforcement. We have to have it."

In addition, the new communication system has transmitters that record better audio. Many times audio is even more important than video, according to O'Donohue.

Under the old communication system, if an officer got any distance away from the patrol car, sound on the officer's audio pack would not be picked up, the chief said.

"They were breaking down and couldn't be replaced. There were a lot of problems with them," O'Donohue said. "The new system's range is much better. So they should work when you're in somebody's house investigating a crime. You should be able to pick up the audio."

New patrol cars have markings of a winner 

In January, the first Ford Interceptor arrived at City Hall. 

"We have three in service now. Because there was such a change in the vehicle, we had an outfitter," O'Donohue said. Three more vehicles will be on the road soon. "We have all the cars but they're not all on the road. We had a couple set up so the officers could drive them and see if they needed any changes. I just didn't want to do them all and then have to redo them all if there is a problem."

The new generation of police cars are a hit with officers. They come after years of working with Crown Victorias – a vehicle that is no longer available. 

"We had a couple of guys that went out on the road to evaluate the cars. They felt like the Interceptor was the best option," O'Donohue said. "The car's a little smaller but the handles much better. When the weather is bad most people stay home, but the police don't have that option. So with the all-wheel option, it's much better and I think we'll be more effective when we're out on the road."

O'Donohue said officers also played a role in the markings on the new vehicles. 

"The markings on the cars were definitely driven by the officers. The mission statement was something a lot of guys wanted on the hood."

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