Bad guys beware: Criminals will now have more trouble eluding law enforcement officers since the Belvidere Police Department recently added six rear-wheel-drive 2006 Dodge Charger 3.5-liter V-6 police vehicles to its patrol fleet.

“The Belvidere Police Department is proud to join local law enforcement departments across the country in adding Dodge Charger police vehicles to our patrol lineup,” said Jan Noble, Chief of Police - City of Belvidere. “After viewing several makes and models of police vehicles, it was a natural choice to select a vehicle brand with ties as close to this community as the long-standing relationship with the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant.”

Although the Dodge police vehicles are not produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, the manufacturing facility is responsible for output of the highly popular Dodge Caliber, Jeep® Compass and the soon-to-arrive Jeep Patriot.

At the very beginning of the Dodge police vehicle development, specific law enforcement vehicle features and functionality standards were integrated into the design of the Dodge Charger vehicle to allow for easier installation of aftermarket upfits and additions.

Also, added safety features, including all-speed Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and four-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brake System (ABS), aid the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability and control even when driving over uneven surfaces like patchy snow, ice or gravel.

“We tried to create the ideal police vehicle for law enforcement departments to give our police customers an affordable, capable vehicle with industry-leading innovations,” said Tricia Llewellyn, Midwest Government & Alternative Fuel Sales Manager – Chrysler Group. "In addition, with rear-wheel drive and ESP control, the Dodge Charger police vehicle provides optimum police car pursuit performance.”

Incidentally there has been another benefit surrounding the delivery of these new vehicles.

“Dodge Charger police vehicles are turning heads everywhere in the community; officers have been approached by curious Belvidere residents to discuss the new ride,” said Frederic Brereton, Mayor – City of Belvidere. “All in all, the public’s response to the vehicle has been very positive.”