You’ll certainly know when one of the Queensland Police Service’s new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series SUVs is around, and not just because of its flashing lights.
The new fit-for-purpose SUVs, which are being rolled out to District Duty Officers (DDOs) statewide, debut a new ‘rumbler’ siren.
This emits low-frequency sound waves through large subwoofers on the front of the vehicle, creating vibrations – ideal for making a police officer’s presence known to people who are engaging in some carpool karaoke at full blast.
The first vehicle will patrol Ipswich “within weeks” before more vehicles are rolled out statewide. The initial order is for 15 vehicles.
All will be finished in silver, so it’ll therefore be easier to tell who’s in charge at a scene.
The new police car appears to be based on the base GX, which is priced at $94,301 before on-road costs for private buyers.
DDOs are district supervisors that take charge of priority incidents such as matters of public safety and missing persons.
As frontline leaders, DDOs need to be able to communicate easily with Polair (the aviation team) and the Police Communications Centre.
They often have to cover a lot of ground on a shift, and have a lot of equipment they need to transport including command planning gear, search and specialist lighting, and communications systems.
The LandCruisers will come with Reveal Shield PRO, a small handheld night vision device that provides thermal imagery over a space of 50 metres or more.
“Designed by DDOs for DDOs, this is another example of the QPS and Queensland Government investing in our hard-working frontline officers to support community safety,” said Police Minister Mark Ryan.
“I’m looking forward to the fit out of further vehicles which will hit the roads across Queensland in the coming months.”
DDOs currently use Kia Sorentos, and in the past have used vehicles like the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger.
LandCruisers can already be found on QPS’ fleet, but in regional areas or in specialist units.
The QPS has previously stated a goal of having an entirely electrified sedan and SUV fleet by 2025, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs).
However, paddy wagons, utes, and ‘specialist’ police vehicles aren’t included in this goal.
As of late last year, 71 per cent of the QPS’ car and SUV fleet was either hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Toyota Camry Hybrids are widely used as general duties vehicles, while plug-in hybrid MG HS and Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs can also be found with QPS livery.
The QPS is currently trialling five Kia EV6 GT-Lines, the first EVs it has pressed into duty.
