New divvy vans delivered

Editorial: Cathy Le

Photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

The first of Victoria Police’s new fleet of divisional vans have hit the streets, with a total of 280 vehicles to be rolled out for operational use across the state throughout the coming months.

The new-look divisional van is based on the Ford Ranger vehicle, with the manufacturer endorsing a custom-made custody compartment — also known as a rear pod — which is fitted on the back of the van.

The first batch of the purpose-built divisional vans hit the road at both metro and country stations in late May, replacing the current model which has been used by frontline officers since 2018.

Several improvements have been made to the fit-out of the vehicles to ensure the new fleet remained as safe and practical as possible.

Victoria Police’s new fleet of Ford Ranger divisional vans have hit the streets, with a total of 280 of the purpose-built vehicles to be rolled out state-wide across the coming months.

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Deb Robertson said the vehicles had undergone rigorous performance testing to ensure they met Victoria Police’s operational and safety needs.

“Our frontline officers rely on divisional vans to provide the safest mode of transport for their duties while being durable and equipped for modern policing,” A/AC Robertson said.

“We were pleased to find a manufacturer that could make major enhancements and modifications to one of their vehicles to purpose-build them for our operational use and to also meet our fleet safety policy.

“We have now secured a long-term future for our iconic divisional vans and the community will already be able see the new-look vehicles on the streets.”

Additional features of the new divisional van fleet include a more refined and integrated fitment for police equipment, driver impairment monitor, constant video display in the rear-view mirror, and integrated controls in the dashboard for improved accessibility.