New police patrol vehicles for Queensland

Queensland Police is rolling out new fit-for-purpose marked District Duty Officer (DDO) vehicles equipped with the latest technology and ‘rumbler’ vibration sirens.

Designed by operational police, the vehicles are fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, including an array of tools, communication systems, safety devices, innovative storage and command planning equipment, along with search and specialist lighting.

With a distinct silver colour, the L300 Landcruiser also has new distinguishing decal markings to enhance visibility and complement improved safety features. It can traverse both urban and off-road terrains.

The ‘rumbler’ siren emits low frequency sound waves through large subwoofers on the front of the vehicle, creating vibrations that allow people in the vicinity to feel the approach of a police vehicle as well as hear it.

The vehicle connects these vital frontline leaders with other capabilities including Polair and the Police Communications Centre in new and innovative ways.

Additional extras like the Reveal Shield PRO, which is a small hand-held night vision device, have been included in the vehicle’s design specifications.

The thermal imagery helps the officers locate persons or objects over a space of 50 metres or more and will prove a vital addition to the comprehensive toolkit provided.

Over the course of each shift, DDOs take charge of priority incidents including matters of public safety, missing persons and more — providing leadership and guidance to other officers and imparting their years of operational experience to ensure community and officer safety is maintained at all times.

Enhancing QPS’s borderless model of policing, the vehicle has everything DDOs need to move swiftly and operate efficiently and effectively in support of the frontline.

The first vehicle will patrol Ipswich within weeks before more vehicles are rolled out statewide.

Image credit: iStock.com/Ben185