Vic PD unveils new police car; coat of arms
Victoria Police Department Chief Jamie Graham unveiled the force’s new police cruiser in a ceremony today at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour.
Also shown off for the first time was the department’s new coat-of-arms, which will be the new visual identity for the force and will be seen on police vehicles and officers’ uniforms.
The new black-and-white colour scheme is actually a throwback to popular earlier designs. Photo by Robert Randall © VibrantVictoria.ca.
The 2010 Dodge Charger is the first of six cruisers Vic PD will purchase this year. Over the next three years, all 21 police cars will be new Dodges. Chief Graham describes the Charger as the “most fiscally responsible” choice because of the car’s combination of reliability, efficiency and fuel economy.
The blank-and-white-painted Charger replaces the long-time workhorse of the department, the Ford Crown Victoria.
The interior features a more efficent computer set-up and a roomier interior. Back seat passengers may beg to differ. Photo by Robert Randall © VibrantVictoria.ca.
Vic PD Sergeant Darrell Fairburn was involved in the search for a new cruiser and according to him, the requirement for an eight cylinder, four door car left very few viable candidates.
Victoria Police Chief Jamie Graham gets ready to unveil the new cruiser. The redesigned coat-of-arms features a wolf crest by artist Butch Dick. Photo by Robert Randall © VibrantVictoria.ca.
The force felt the Chrysler product had the best combination of power, economy and comfort. The big V-8 engine provides reliable power when needed but Fairburn explains the new “smart engine” technology can shut down four cylinders for more efficient operation when cruising around town.
Other comforts include a roomier front seat and the ability to put the officers’ laptop computers in the trunk. Cops can then type reports more comfortably in the cabin with a swing-away keyboard and screen.
Meanwhile, Saanich Police have no plans to abandon the venerable Crown Victoria. The department recently put in an order for seven of the last Crown Victorias before the name is retired to be reborn in 2012 as a new Ford interceptor. However, the new CVs will actually be built on the Ford Taurus unibody platform, meaning Saanich will own some of the last body-on-frame police vehicles made.
Replacing the existing Vic PD crest with its toga-clad goddesses, the new crest features Neptune’s trident, representing the Island, and the dogwood flower surrounded by golden maple leaves. First Nations artist Butch Dick contributed the wolf design to the new crest. The wolf is known as the protector in the Coast Salish tradition. The coat-of-arms was created with the help of the Canadian Heraldic Authority in Ottawa.
Click here for a discussion on police and crime issues on VibrantVictoria’s forum.
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Responses to this Headline or Article
The five most recent replies to VibrantVictoria.ca's discussion forum's The Victoria crime thread thread, the most relevant thread to the above headline or article:
Robb
May 18, 2013 at 8:25 am
It sounds like we need to either put these people in jail or figure out what addiction or mental health problems they have that aren't being met. Either way, I think we're probably spending more resources we need to, plus the impact on the victims of their crimes.
Mike K.
May 21, 2013 at 9:46 pmSaanich PD on scene at 800 block of Vernon Ave; medics have been called to address a minor stab wound to the neck.
martini
May 21, 2013 at 10:08 pmQuote: Saanich PD on scene at 800 block of Vernon Ave; medics have been called to address a minor stab wound to the neck.
Where is 800 block? Reference?
Seems more activity lately.
Rifle take down at Emily Carr yesterday afternoon.
http
May 21, 2013 at 10:20 pmQuote: ... called to address aminor stab wound to the neck.
Paramedics really do live in a different world. Yikes.
History Buff
May 21, 2013 at 10:27 pmQuote: Where is 800 block? Reference?
Seems more activity lately.
Rifle take down at Emily Carr yesterday afternoon.
Paintball gun was what they just called it on the new. Not quite a rifle the public would panic and call 911 if you were to carry a rifle made out of styrofoam.
As for your question about where the 800 blk Vernon is it is between between Saanich Ravine way
