by A Powerful Addition for Patrols
If you’re planning to break the rules on New York roads, you should know that the police have received a new powerful tool, and it’s not just for show. The New York State Police have already received and started using new 2025 model year Ford Mustang GT police cars. These vehicles are intended for traffic control on highways and major roads throughout the state.
Technical Details and Plans
Cars with a V8 engine are already in service, and a batch of 2026 model year vehicles has already been approved and is set to enter service next year. These Mustang GTs will complement the existing fleet, which currently mainly consists of SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Dodge Durango. This change is partly related to Dodge’s decision to discontinue production of police versions of the Charger.
A police representative noted that the Mustangs have the necessary speed and handling for patrol operations and special events on congested highways, working in tandem with larger patrol SUVs.
National Trend
Mustang GTs are gaining popularity among police departments across the country. They are already being used by patrols in states such as Indiana, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Officers emphasize that the Mustang’s speed is key, as the number of statewide pursuits is increasing.
Reasons for the Reinforcement
According to data, the number of pursuits involving New York State Police officers more than doubled between 2018 and 2024. In some counties, such as Westchester, this figure increased fourfold. Along with the increase in pursuits, the number of fatalities associated with them has also risen. Analysts point to an alarming trend: more and more drivers are simply refusing to stop when signaled by the police. This unwillingness leads to a sharp increase in high-speed chases and, accordingly, an increase in risks for everyone on the road.
Ford Mustang GTs used by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol
The introduction of powerful and high-speed cars like the Mustang GT indicates law enforcement’s adaptation to new challenges on the roads. The increase in the number of pursuits and their danger requires a technical advantage, the ability to respond to violations quickly and safely. It may also have a preventive effect, warning potential offenders about the police having equipment capable of catching them. However, it also raises questions about the balance between the effectiveness of law enforcement and the overall costs of maintaining and operating a specialized high-performance fleet.
