South Australia Police are introducing a new tactic to combat road offenders, borrowing an idea from the United States. Six new ‘shadow patrol cars’ are designed to occupy an intermediate position between regular patrol cars and fully unmarked vehicles. These inconspicuous vehicles aim to catch drivers who only follow the rules when they think the law is watching them.
American influence and Australian adaptation
The new police fleet is the Australian response to ‘ghost cars’ and ‘stealth interceptors’ that have been used by state patrols and local departments in the US for many years. During a briefing, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens acknowledged that the agency borrowed this concept from their American colleagues.
The American experience showed that subdued wraps handle evasion maneuvers well and deter repeat speeding offenders.
Fleet composition and technical features
The pilot program operates as a proof of concept and includes six police vehicles: two Subaru Outbacks, two Toyota Klugers (known in the US as the Highlander), and two Land Cruiser 300 Series. Each car has vinyl graphics matched to the body color, which remain almost invisible against the bodywork under bright daytime sunlight.
However, when a light source hits the reflective coating at night, the full police markings are illuminated, revealing the car’s true nature. To enhance the disguise, these models have gotten rid of conventional light bars on the roof, replacing them with smaller flashing beacons hidden in the radiator grille and behind the glass.
Equipment and objectives
Like regular police cruisers, these undercover units are equipped with operational gear, including speed detection systems, mobile alcohol and drug testing kits, and collision investigation equipment. The shadow fleet is hitting the roads immediately, with the six vehicles distributed between regional highways and congested urban zones.
The authorities hope the new cars will help combat drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, and aggressive road behavior. It is estimated that these factors account for 10%, 21%, and 36% respectively of the 61 fatal road accidents in the state this year.
This move by South Australia Police is part of a global trend where law enforcement agencies are increasingly using covert patrol methods. While such cars may spark controversy among drivers who see them as ‘traps’, the US experience shows their effectiveness in reducing violations. It is important to note that these vehicles are not completely invisible – their markings become noticeable under certain lighting conditions, allowing for a balance between the element of surprise and adherence to the principles of police transparency. The introduction of such technologies could become a powerful deterrent for drivers who tend to break rules only when no visible patrols are present.