Police testing small SUV as replacement for carts

By Katherine Nichols
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police in Waikiki are evaluating the use of the Chevrolet Tracker as a possible replacement for the three-wheeled golf-cart-like GO-4 vehicles. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

The Honolulu Police Department's District 6 in Waikiki is the first to try the two-door Chevrolet Tracker that's under consideration to replace the familiar three-wheeled, golf-cart-like GO-4 vehicles, said Bill Rhoden, supervisor of HPD's vehicle maintenance section. Safety and cost efficiency are the reasons why HPD is considering replacing the carts with the new SUV. The department has purchased only one of the Trackers so far, paying $24,500 for the fully outfitted ride.

"The biggest factor was safety," said Rhoden, referring to danger of accidents in the ill-protected GO-4s, which are more readily overturned than larger, more stable vehicles.

Rhoden also said that in the SUV, officers are "more out of the weather" than they are with the open GO-4. And it's easier to find repair services and parts for the SUV. "The GO-4 comes out of Canada," Rhoden said. "And the parts come out of Germany."

Ordering and shipping make repair work complicated and expensive. With the Chevrolet, he said, "You can go to any parts store and get practically anything you want."

The new breed of SUV is compact, fast and fuel-efficient. However, Rhoden pointed out that it has not been tested for maneuverability, and therefore "can't be used for pursuit at all." But the SUVs could be called for back-up across town, whereas the GO-4 is restricted to travel within a specific neighborhood.

Unlike the traditional police sedan, the Tracker cannot be used to carry prisoners: The back seat does fit two passengers (another officer, for instance), but there is no shield between the back area and the driver.

All other features are the same between the SUV and the conventional police cruiser. This includes the Mobile Data Computer, a Panasonic laptop that sits on a mounting bracket over what would be the passenger's seat, enabling the officer to conduct license and warrant checks without going through dispatch.

The light bar (where the sirens are located) features scrolling capabilities that can display the word "police," directional arrows or more complicated instructions about changing lanes or dangers that may lie ahead.

The Waikiki district is evaluating the Tracker, Rhoden said. But even if the department decides to switch to SUVs, Chevrolet will not automatically be the top choice. Instead, bids and "open competition" will allow any manufacturer with a safe, compact vehicle compatible with the police department's needs to become the new mode of transportation.