NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Police Division recently announced the deployment of 31 new hybrid Ford Explorer Police Vehicles into service this week. Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, Deputy Police Director Sharonda Morris, and Chief of Police Emanuel Miranda, Sr. were pleased with the addition of these new vehicles to the division’s fleet.
Director Fragé stated, “The rollout of these new vehicles is an important step in supporting our crime reduction operations. Deputy Director Morris, Chief Miranda, and I thank Mayor Baraka and the Newark City Council for their support in ensuring our officers can utilize the latest and most effective public safety equipment for serving our community.”
The 2022 hybrid Ford Explorer Police Vehicles offer an all-wheel-drive powertrain and are well-suited for police use due to their potential for idle-time fuel and cost savings. When stationary, conventional gas engines must run continuously to power emergency lights, radios, computers, and other on-board electrical equipment. The hybrid powertrain allows the engine to shut off for extended periods, running the electrical equipment on a lithium-ion hybrid battery, which reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions.
The new marked police vehicles will be distributed across all six Newark Police precincts for patrol and responding to calls for service. In total, 150 new vehicles have been ordered, with full deployment expected by the end of 2024. This investment in new equipment is a testament to the city’s commitment to public safety and the ongoing efforts to reduce crime in Newark.