Issue link: http://pfmmag.epubxp.com/i/113376
switch for the headlights and dash/IP lights. When you manually turn of the headlights, the dash/IP lights go bright as if the vehicle thinks it���s daylight out. Te ofcer is now silhouetted in the vehicle and the blast of light adversely afects night vision. Given the PI Sedan technology and the fact everything now goes through CAN BUS, this needs to be considered for future development. Te interior OEM map lights are in front of the driver���s eyes as opposed to the older CVPI, which are located behind the driver���s eyes and do not afect night vision. Tis also needs to be addressed with repositioning in the headliner. Heated side view mirrors can now be ordered as a $60 option. Previously you needed to order a package with BLIS to get the wiring harness that includes the heated mirror. Heated mirrors should be standard like the CVPI. It Takes Just A Few Hours My personal experience was that after a couple of hours in the vehicle, I started to feel less restricted and confned. Tis is a perception, whether based on fact or opinion, it���s still something that will be relevant when marketing this vehicle. My thigh-mounted Taser was always against the driver���s door arm rest but I eventually adapted by swinging it up to the top of my leg. I wear a portable radio on my left side at duty belt height. I always leave it on in the vehicle but have it scanning other neighboring channels. I often reach back and turn down the volume as I drive. In the CVPI, it was no problem; in the PI Sedan, my elbow always hit the door. Eventually I worked around it by leaning forward and breaking these old muscle memory habits that will ultimately compensate for the change in interior. Te PI Sedan seats were much more comfortable than the CVPI. Te custom police design with scalloped-out side bolsters didn���t push my hips forward when contacting my duty pistol and portable radio. After 11 hours in the PI Sedan, I had no back pain at all and ingress/egress was much easier. During the shifts, I really started to enjoy the modern feel of the PI Sedan. It is quick and nimble, attributes that allow the ofcer the ability to move in and around the typical patrol environment. Te current 3.5L V6 engine was more than powerful enough for me. However, the upcoming option of the more powerful 3.7L V6, shared with the PI Utility, p Visibility out the rear window is limited by the sleek roofine and high trunk lid. Visibility is improved by excellent rearview mirrors, and by available technology like BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffc alert, ultrasonic RSS (Reverse Sensing System), and rearview camera. will be welcomed with open arms. Overall, Ford spent the time and money to engineer and build an excellent ofering for the diverse requirements of law enforcement. Sergeant Brad Brewer is a 22-year member of the Vancouver Police Department. He sits on the Ford Police Advisory Board and regularly gives presentations at law enforcement conferences on mobile computing, wireless technology and police vehicle ergonomics. He can be reached at sgt1411@gmail.com. Post your comments on this story by visiting www.pfmmag.com q The PI Sedan has a smaller entry-exit ���window��� than the Ford CVPI. Once inside, the PI Sedan is surprisingly roomy and as comfortable as the CVPI. Power adjustable pedals and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel allow the offcer to get just the right driving position. www.pfmmag.com 53