Unmarked Cop Cars in Florida are Going Green

This may be the first time hybrid cars are being used for important police work.

I

n the cat-and-mouse game being played between criminals and law enforcement, the cops in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, have a new weapon. Yes, folks, the "green police" have arrived.

Because unmarked police cars are still often identifiable by savvy law breakers, Ft. Lauderdale will be trading in 247 of its old unmarked cars for a variety of hybrids and "green" cars, such as hybrids like the 2012 Toyota Prius or fuel-efficient gasoline-engined cars like the current Hyundai Elantra, which promises up to 40 mpg.

2013 Hyundai Elantra

Ft. Lauderdale is managing the purchase through a $6.1 million contract with Government Fleet Services, and will purchase the cars through auctions as opposed to regular fleet sales.

Hybrids have been used for lesser police duty, such as parking enforcement and community service, before. But as Green Car Reports notes, this may be the first time the cars are being used for more important police work.

They won't be hitting the highway for high-speed pursuits any time soon, though. Right now it appears that the cars will be used to get undercover officers from point A to point B inconspicuously, as well as for other police action.

2012 Toyota Prius

Ft. Lauderdale will likely save on costs with the more fuel-efficient fleet.

We're not sure yet if this means that they'll be deployed on traffic duty, but Floridians better start memorizing the headlight shapes of Elantras, Priuses, and other high-mileage rides.

[Source: Green Car Reports]