For decades, the New York Police District has been using a range of cars for their patrol and operations. They have been using cars as small as three-wheeled scooters, muscle cars, Ford Explorers and tow trucks. Now, they are adding a fleet of two-seater smart cars to their lineup. What do both the police officers and citizens say about it? They are cute and adorable!
The Biggest Police Force Have The Most Adorable Patrol Cars
The New York Police District is the biggest police force in America and is one of the first to introduce smart cars for service. The NYPD already have 150 vehicles being utilized everyday and is planning to add 75 more. The smart cars were made by German carmaker Daimler AG. These cars are set to replace the three-wheeled scooters that the force is currently using.
The Reason Behind Is Simpler Than Some Might Think
The rationale behind the transition to smart cars is to get reliable and more economical patrol cars. These cars are also safer and cheaper to operate, thus saving the police district tons of money to use for other projects. "It is approachable, people want to take pictures with it, hug it, they want to kiss it, It's just amazing," said the deputy commissioner for support services, Robert S. Martinez.
The smart cars have received good vibes and positive feedback from both the citizens and the police officers. According to New York Times, "It draws attention of people without intimidating them. It has been an effective icebreaker and shows a friendlier side in the era of low crime." The car does not have sirens and no space for a crime suspect. It also looks like something that came out of the once famous game Car Town, as it has the same blue stripe paint and the NYPD insignia, it looks like a shrunken version of the police districts lineup of muscle cars.
Officers Would Take The Smart Cars Any Day Of The Week
For some people like Albert Roman, a retired narcotics detective, the cars conveyed authority. Although he was not always a believer since he thought that the cars look a little silly the first time he saw it, but he understands the reason behind the NYPD for buying the cute smart cars. For some, the cars may seem flimsy, but to police officers, they would choose the smart car over the scooters as the cars are more advanced, and it comes with air conditioning.
Some police officers said that more people are approaching them now, in a friendly manner. It is also a good conversation piece for the officers, making their daily lives lighter in a way. Officers are also amazed by the capabilities of the vehicle and can maneuver easily in tight corners; turns are also quicker now due to the tight steering radius of the smart cars.
For people living in other areas, they may have depicted the New York Police District and New York itself as a very uptight. Some may only know them as to how they were characterized by TV shows such as "NYPD Blue" or "Law and Order". But they are much nicer in real life. Whoever made the decision to use the cute little smart cars made the right choice as it gives the police force a friendlier mood and that in turn helps keep the peace in the busy streets of New York.
