The next flashing red lights you see in your rearview mirror might be coming from a Police Pursuit Ford truck. That’s because Ford has just revealed the 2021 F-150 Police Responder pursuit vehicle. With the growing popularity of Ford’s F-150, so too has the demand increased for a police pursuit F-150. Now it will become available for agencies this coming spring. 

Ford’s police version of the Explorer is its best-selling police vehicle

It was bound to happen. Police pursuit vehicles have been a lucrative aspect of Ford car production for decades. But with the end of passenger cars like its Taurus which was killed in 2017 trucks and SUVs were the likely successors. Right now Ford’s police version of the Explorer is its best-selling police vehicle. 

We may see that popularity shift over to the F-150. Based on a production truck it includes police-only options to “meet rigorous law enforcement use.” Also, it can hit speeds of 120 mph. Along with what you would expect with a police vehicle Ford has added a new feature. 

Ford has added the “police engine idle” function

It has added the “police engine idle” function. This allows officers to take the keys then leave the truck, but keep it running. This also allows the power to maintain lights and the siren running. 

The police F-150 will also come in handy for towing a boat, horse trailer, or mobile command center. Agencies have requested more towing, hauling, and off-road capabilities but also high speed and handling chops.  “Whether suburban police departments, border patrol agents, or rural sheriffs, officers never know where the job might take them,” Ford police vehicle brand manager Greg Ebel told the Detroit Free Press. 

Intrusion plates built inside of the backs of the front seats

Besides the 7,000 lb towing capabilities the F-150 has more hip and shoulder room than any other police vehicle made. And intrusion plates built inside of the backs of the front seats provide extra protection for police officers. A newly-designed center console has a provision that allows for writing and computer work. 

All-terrain tires aid in acceleration but also allows for the truck to “carry more speed when cornering-a rare benefit in a pickup truck.” Power comes from a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine putting out 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. All told the F-250 allows officers to “transition from busy urban streets to dusty country roads.”