During the 1920’s written suggestions to the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Short, requesting the purchase a vehicle for use by the CIB where politely refused with a standard letter sent to several Brisbane motor vehicle companies vying for business. The letters acknowledged receipt of the many and varied vehicle specification brochures, and promptly informed the hopeful sales person that “the purchase of such a motorcar is not contemplated at present”.
Two police motor vehicles, a Ford V8 Convertible Sedan at left, and Ford V8 5 Window Coupe at right with traffic safety loud speaker on roof, c1935.
Both vehicles were the standard model with 85 hp and 3sp manual gearbox.
Image PM3028 courtesy the Queensland Police Museum.
In the early 1930’s the then Commissioner, William H. Ryan, embraced motorisation and approved the purchase of motorcycles and vehicles for use across the state. Many different vehicle brands and styles have been utilised for police work, and as these images show progress has been made since those early days.
Police vehicles fitted with load screens for oversize load escort duty.
Shown here are two 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedans, with Caterpillar Front End Loader.
Image courtesy of QPS Media & Public Affairs Group.
This information has been supplied by the Queensland Police Museum from the best resources available at the time of writing. Contact: E: museum@police.qld.gov.au
The Police Museum is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on the last Sunday of the month (Feb-Nov) and is located on the Ground Floor of Police Headquarters at 200 Roma Street, Brisbane.
“Police Vehicles” by the Queensland Police Service is licensed under a by the Queensland Police Service is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (BY) 2.5 Australia Licence. Permissions may be available beyond the scope of this licence. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/legalcode