California Highway Patrol Gets Re-Charged with Dodge

Cops appreciate ‘roominess,’ ‘tougher’ look of new Charger patrol units.

Here’s some bad news for the bad guys: California cops are stepping up their game in the car-chase business courtesy of some speedy new Dodge Chargers.

The California Highway Patrol reports that as it begins replacing its rusty older fleet of patrol cars, it is bringing in more Chargers. So far, 588 new Dodge Chargers have been recently purchased by the organization. Of that number, 122 are already on patrol duty after being distributed to various police stations across California, reports the Orange County Register.

Although we expect criminals won’t like the fast, sleek cars, California Highway Patrol officers seem to welcome the new Dodge Chargers with open arms.

‘I really like the look of the Charger.
It just looks like a cop car.’

“I really like the look of the Charger. It just looks like a cop car,” Orange County police officer Florentino Olivera (pictured) tells the Orange County Register.

The Dodge Charger’s look may soon become an iconic style synonymous with bravery and crime fighting, like the way the Crown Vic and later the Ford SUV once were. The California Highway Patrol is giving the Charger a two-year trial run before considering if it will become the CHP’s main ride for the long run.

In addition to Dodge’s reputation for delivering solidly built, dependable cars, it was the Charger’s “tougher-looking” build and “roominess” that seemed to be the key selling points for the police, who also like that the Charger “handles easy.”

Is the Dodge Charger gets any more popular with the CHP, we suspect that Ponch and John will be trading in their motorcycles soon!

Photos: Orange County Register

David Ciminelli

Los Angeles-based journalist David Ciminelli has covered everything from high-profile Lexus and Toyota reveals to reality TV show competitions focusing on custom automotive mods. He considers the "Droptops & Dirt" event in Malibu, “Luftgekühlt” and Sunset GT among his favorite automotive events to cover.

He has also interviewed artists like Megadeth and Jennifer Lopez, handled red carpet interviews at the MTV VMAs, and covered rock icons Rush getting a star on Hollywood Boulevard for media including The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, Out Magazine, IN Los Angeles and more. His byline has also appeared in Billboard, Ad Week, Backstage and Art Voice.

Currently, David contributes to over a dozen automotive websites, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Club Lexus, Rennlist, Chevrolet Forum, Corvette Forum, Team Speed and Harley-Davidson Forums.