Nov. 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 11

tem, which detects

tem, which detects movement around the vehicle and automatically activates the rear camera, rolls up the windows, locks the doors, and sounds a chime so that officers can be made fully aware of their surroundings while remaining safe. Also included is the Police Engine Idle system, which allows officers to leave the vehicle (with their keys) and keep the engine running to power onboard equipment. Further, Ford designed the PIU to pass its 75-mph rear-impact crash test, ensuring officers are safe on the highways and “earning the vehicle’s pursuit-rated, pursuit-tested distinction,” according to a press release. Available application-specific features include ballistic panels that fleets can add to the front door panels that provide level III+ or IV+ protection. Level III+ resists non-armor piercing bullets up to 0.30 caliber, and level IV+ resists armor-piercing rifle ammunition up to 0.30 caliber, Ford stated in its release. FORD PIU’S TECHNOLOGY AND PRO- DUCTIVITY FEATURES The 2025 Ford PIU features a new, standard 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster for “clearer information display during operation,” according to the release. It features a manual Police Pursuit Mode—activated with the click of a steering wheel button— that allows officers to put the vehicle in a high-performance tuning configuration while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. The PIU also features a Police Dark Car mode that helps officers remain discreet during stakeouts. Additionally, the 2025 PIU features the Ford Pro Vehicle Integration System 2.0, which allows easier customization and upfitting. The integration system is “a hardware and software solution that work together, that allow upfitters easier integration,” Bertino told FleetOwner. “It allows agencies to digitally connect upfits to the vehicle, and that way they can integrate physical switches and soft buttons, and different alerts in the vehicle a little bit more seamlessly than they could historically with just a traditional upfitting.” The PIU is already equipped with four remappable switches integrated into the steering wheel, allowing the driver to control equipment such as sirens, speakers, lights, K9 door release, and more. Police Accessory Independent Timed-release Output is also standard in the Ford PIU. This feature is a two-part security system for the cargo area that requires the push of an overhead release button in the cockpit area to engage a 45-second timer. Once the timer is engaged, the officer will have 45 seconds to walk to the liftgate and press a second button to make it open. This feature offers robust security for anything in the PIU’s cargo area. A lockable vault is also available for secure weapons storage. NEXT MONTH: THE REMAIN 90 The Blues - November ‘24

DER OF 2025 OFFERINGS The Blues - November ‘24 91