Smart USA has delivered the first 100 Smart Fortwo vehicles to the New York police force, which has ordered a further 150 units. With this measure, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is replacing the three-wheel motorbikes previously used in the city.
Agile, surprisingly roomy, reliable – these are the main reasons why the Support Services Bureau (SSB) of the NYPD, under the leadership of deputy commissioner Robert S. Martinez, decided to supplement the 9000-vehicle fleet of New York City’s law enforcers with 250 Smart Fortwos.
A further decisive feature that pushed the purchase ahead was: Unlike the three-wheelers used to date, the Smarts have air-conditioning, making work less tiring for the police officers on patrol duty in the hot New York summer.
The white-and-blue police Smarts have specific equipment, including a blue revolving roof lamp and police radio equipment.
Officer Ralph Jefferson, who took receipt of one of the first NYPD Smart Fortwos and drives it around Chinatown on his beat, is very pleased with his ride. “The Smart is spacious and agile, and makes my job much easier. Many people say that the little patrol cars are really cute, too.”
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