Campus Safety Services at Carleton University unveils new patrol vehicle

The Campus Safety Services has unveiled their new patrol vehicle – a 2011 Ford Escape hybrid edition.

The new Escape comes with a different graphic package which makes the patrol vehicle more visible and distinct. The decal package was applied with 3M reflective material that will reflect lights at night, creating a safer environment for officers in dim lighting conditions.

In addition to the improved decal package and fuel savings, the vehicle has been outfitted with features to assist Campus Safety Officers in doing their jobs. Emergency lighting was replaced with an upgraded LED package with lower power requirements and greater visibility. Blue and white strobe lights have been added to the front, as well as an amber directional light bar arrow in the rear window.

Some of the biggest additions are found on the inside of the Escape. A laptop has been installed which turns the patrol vehicle into a mobile work station where Campus Safety Officers will be able to complete reports, view camera footage, read dispatch notes and access other investigative tools without having to return to the patrol office. Our officers will spend more time on patrol and less time in the office tasking the communications centre dispatchers with queries they can now resolve themselves.

The Campus Safety Services expects to save 40 per cent on fuel costs with the hybrid technology. When driven under 40 kilometres an hour, the Escape runs on battery power only.

“The hybrid technology is perfect for us … over 90 per cent of our driving is on campus and under 40km/h, so we expect to see significant fuel savings,” said Shift Manager Chris Moy.

The Campus Safety Services hopes to purchase a second Escape in the near future.

Added grill lights on the Escape patrol vehicle in front of the Residence Commons building

The Escape patrol vehicle with Dunton Tower in the background

Trunk organizer in the Escape patrol vehicle

CSO Michael Radcliffe accesses the mobile work station

The Escape patrol vehicle with the Residence Commons building in the background

A view from the drivers seat