by Chris Bruce, www.Autoblog.com
Ford unveiled its surveillance mode technology last year as an option for 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility models, and it has been a huge success. Now, the automaker and its partner InterMotive Inc. have decided to license the patent-pending system, including possibly to competitors and the military.
The surveillance mode technology is all about improving officers’ situational awareness when their vehicle is stationary, and they aren’t paying total attention to their surroundings; when filling out paperwork, for example. When an officer activates the system, the rear radar begins monitoring what’s happening behind the cruiser. If it detects someone coming up on the vehicle, then the rear camera turns on, the driver’s side window closes and the doors lock. Of course, in busy environments with people constantly walking around, the police can also just keep surveillance mode turned off.
The whole setup is meant to give a cop a few extra seconds to ascertain whether a person getting close to their car means them harm. It even recently won the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive’s Award for the technology’s ability to improve officer safety.
“We want to assist with and improve the security of all police officers – whether they are using a Ford Police Interceptor or a competitive vehicle,” said Randy Freiburger, who supervises Ford’s police and ambulance engineering in its release. Companies that license the tech pay the Blue Oval a fee, and the deals mean expanded proliferation of the automaker’s safety systems.