Queensland Police Service Introduces New Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series SUVs with ‘Rumbler’ Sirens
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has unveiled its latest addition to the fleet of police vehicles with the introduction of the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series SUVs. These SUVs, fit for District Duty Officers (DDOs) all over Queensland, come equipped with a unique feature called the ‘rumbler’ siren.
Unlike traditional sirens, the ‘rumbler’ emits low-frequency sound waves through large subwoofers located on the front of the vehicle. This creates vibrations that are ideal for capturing the attention of individuals who may be engaging in loud activities, such as carpool karaoke. The purpose of this feature is to make the presence of police officers known and enhance public safety.
The first LandCruiser 300 Series SUV is set to patrol Ipswich within a few weeks, and additional vehicles will be rolled out to other areas across the state. The initial order includes 15 vehicles, all of which will be finished in silver to easily identify the officers’ authority at the scene.
These new police vehicles are based on the base GX model, which has a price tag of $94,301 for private buyers, excluding on-road costs. The vehicles serve an essential role for DDOs who oversee priority incidents such as public safety and missing persons cases. They require the ability to communicate easily with the Polair aviation team and the Police Communications Centre. Additionally, DDOs cover a significant amount of ground during their shifts and need to transport various equipment, including command planning gear, search and specialist lighting, and communication systems.
One notable feature of the LandCruisers is the inclusion of Reveal Shield PRO, a handheld night vision device that provides thermal imagery over a distance of 50 meters or more. This feature enhances the officers’ ability to carry out their duties effectively, especially during nighttime operations.
Police Minister Mark Ryan expressed his enthusiasm for the new vehicles and emphasized the Queensland government’s commitment to investing in frontline officers for the sake of community safety. He also mentioned that more vehicles with similar features will be introduced to Queensland’s roads in the coming months.
Previously, DDOs relied on Kia Sorentos, Ford Territory, and Toyota Kluger vehicles. While LandCruisers are already a part of the QPS fleet, they usually serve regional areas or specialized units. The QPS has set a goal to have an entirely electrified sedan and SUV fleet, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, by 2025. However, certain vehicles like paddy wagons, utes, and specialist police vehicles are exempt from this target.
As of last year, 71 percent of the QPS car and SUV fleet consisted of hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles. General duties vehicles predominantly include Toyota Camry Hybrids, while QPS liveries also feature plug-in hybrid MG HS and Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs. The QPS is currently conducting trials with five Kia EV6 GT-Lines, their first electric vehicles to be incorporated into patrol duty.
The introduction of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series SUVs with the ‘rumbler’ siren represents another step in the QPS’s efforts to enhance public safety and provide frontline officers with the tools they need to carry out their duties effectively. These new vehicles not only offer advanced features but also align with the Queensland government’s commitment to expanding the electrification of the police fleet.
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