Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner wants Cleveland Police to road test a new zero-emission, electric police car
Steve has written to manufacturer Tesla to ask if the force can trial the new Tesla Model 3 police car.
The vehicle is currently available for trial and assessment to emergency services across the UK.
Steve claims Cleveland’s mix of urban and rural areas coupled with its high deprivation and crime rates makes it a challenging area to police – but an ideal place to test the new model.
He said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner I have put together a strategic plan, with 10 clear priorities, one of which is to maximise the use of technology to combat crime.
“I am passionate about exploring new technical opportunities to assist the hard working, front line officers who I see every day putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
“I am already looking at maximising the use of drone capability to tackle and disrupt crime, exploring the use of DNA Tagging Spray and bidding for exploratory funding to trial facial recognition software.
“I am keen to work in partnership with businesses to optimise the opportunities and investment in local policing.
“As a forward thinking and innovative company, Tesla is leading the way in zero emission technology and I would very much like Cleveland Police to be a part of this journey by trialling the Model 3 in Cleveland.
“I feel that the geographically small nature of the area together with the high demand the local police face makes Cleveland the perfect location to trial the Model 3.
“I would be very keen to take forward discussions as to what would be needed to become a trial area.
“I believe if we could replicate our award-winning Medicar vehicle Cleveland would become a pioneering example of how to blend technology, medical expertise and our excellent Special Constabulary Officers.”
The move to trial the Model 3 as an emergency response vehicle in Britain mirrors that of deployments for the Model 3 with several police forces in the United States. Electric police cars in Britain are rare but growing in popularity.