Campus police replace older vehicles with SUVs, new look

There are some brand new UW Police Department vehicles traveling around campus after the department replace seven older vehicles with  new 2013 Ford Police Interceptor SUVs.

Ford designed the Interceptors to fit the needs of law enforcement agencies.

They feature all-wheel drive, which beneficial during periods of inclement weather, and they are equipped with what Ford refers to as “Extreme Officer Protection.” According to the manufacturer, the Interceptors are built for full pursuit.

The most noticeable changes may be the color and the new logo on the vehicles. Several designs were submitted to Chief Sue Riseling and she approved a couple of different packages. Department members helped select the new graphics by voting for the one they liked the most.

The new Interceptors are black and the graphics are designed to complement their color.

Detective Marshall Ogren submitted the winning design, which was similar to that used by the University of Washington Police Department. He suggested adding a graphic of his department’s badge to the new vehicles.

“I wanted to add it as a tribute to show that we are UW–Madison,” said Ogren.

Ford discontinued the popular Crown Victoria sedan in 2011. Many police departments across the country depended on the reliable “Crown Vics” for many years. UWPD’s new vehicles are purchased and owned by the UW Fleet and the department is leasing them.