Help Me Recommend an Unmarked Vehicle

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:29 pm

I hope this isn't considered too off-topic, but here goes. I am seeking some helpful suggestions on what you folks think would be a good unmarked vehicle. I am a deputy sheriff and I work plain clothes doing warrant service and civil process. Our county is pretty typical suburban in Minnesota. I am thinking that I should have at least one recommendation for:

-a sedan

-an SUV

-a mini van

If you think that the Chevrolet Impala is a much better unmarked than say a Dodge Intrepid, please tell me why. I figure that some of the people here that are doing installs have a pretty good idea of what vehicles have a good track record. Also, I would be interested in how you would equip such a vehicle. At a minimum it will have a laptop computer that will need some sort of external antenna for 1.9 gHz. For voice we are currently on VHF high band, but will be switching to APCO 25 800 mHz in about a year. The vehicle will need a prisoner transport screen. Also, what type of emergency lighting would be most effective (LED, strobes, incandescent, a mix)? If there are certain laptop mounts and/or consoles that work out better than others, let me know. Also. is Sti-Co pretty much the only choice for dual-band or multi-band disguise antennas, or are there some other choices?

kg4ere · Post by **kg4ere** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:52 pm

007 · Post by **007** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:15 am

Do you need something that is pursuit capable, or just something to serve papers and xport with?

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:47 am

Pretty much to serve process and arrest people. The Ford Tortoises and Dodge Stratuses haven't held up very well for us in the past.

kccjs268 · Post by **kccjs268** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:01 am

Well since I'm was orginaly from Wisconsin, the condition are pretty much the same as Minnesota.

I would suggest going with an SUV rather than a car. This was you'll have the weight and the ability to handle the snowy conditions and some of the more remote areas.

I would also steer away from Tahoe's and Expeditions since almost every SO, PD, LE Department have those. Go with the F150 or Sport Trac, Trailblazer, Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee - something different. Heck use an H3 - they'll never expect that one.

As far as the equipment, i'll only comment on the lights -- keep it simple, I don't think you'll need to look like a X-mas tree driving down the road. Simple HAWs in the Front Corner lights, and rear break/reverse lights -- maybe TIR3 or something similar in the grill. Some sort of Duel LED in the rear window, maybe the same for the dash, something to take off when not needed. OH and can't forget wigwags.

The Sheriff's Dept that I worked for used Mini Vans and just other random vehicles with basic lighting up front and the rear.

Thats just my .02

Quarterwave · Post by **Quarterwave** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:58 pm

Why not a Cadillac or a Lincoln? Seriously, I know a SO that had a DeVille that was the chief deputies sometimes car, and it had a disguised antenna and hidden lights. Ran like a spotted ape too. A Chevy 1500HD (crew Cab) would be nice too, I think you can get the 6 liter in it and 2wd.

Threeshot223 · Post by **Threeshot223** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:29 pm

Oh yeah...those Caddy's run like raped dates. Look real sharp, too!

JDAlberta · Post by **JDAlberta** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:07 pm

Chrysler makes a Police model intrepid that has lots of room as well as good install places. Also the Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a Police model that is a real treat.
I used the Intrepid for 1 year and found it a great car as a Police Car

John

radiokid · Post by **radiokid** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:21 am

I think a mini-van would work. There is a lot of them on the road, and you have space to put a passanger in back for his "free" ride and you see many of them with dark tinted windows.

Also for an antenna you could get a Stico Dual band VHF/800 to replace the factory AM/FM. As for lights, strobes in the head lights and tail lights with a dash light.

Good luck

Radio Kid

mtr12222 · Post by **mtr12222** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:51 am

I second the mini-van idea. It is pretty inconspicious in any neighborhood and you have plenty of room. With front wheel drive you don't have to worry about driving in bad weather unless you are serving an arrest warrant in a blizzard.

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 7:02 am

For those of you that may have used these on a daily basis for work and/or installed equipment, are there any certain mini-vans that stand out from the others? I have used a Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth mini-van in the past and they seemed pretty reliable. And, yes, they do blend in pretty well.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:14 pm

how covert is this vehicle supposed to be? Clean roof unmarked patrol or supervisors unit i.e it still looks like a squad or is it s sneeky pete type that should not be identified as a public safety vehicle of any type.

makes a huge difference in what you need.

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 1:17 pm

It is to be totally unmarked.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 1:36 pm

Jim1348 wrote:For those of you that may have used these on a daily basis for work and/or installed equipment, are there any certain mini-vans that stand out from the others? I have used a Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth mini-van in the past and they seemed pretty reliable. And, yes, they do blend in pretty well.

I have a friend who drives a Chevy 1500 Van and was rear ended by a driver who only had "a few beers" at 50+ mph and he still drives the van. I heard the story on the internet.. and when we met for lunch one day.. I thought he must have got a new van.. was shocked to find out that that was the van that got hit.

Example pic:

Friend was fine except for some soreness and all his little drawers full of components that went everywhere. Drunkard was taken away in a meat wagon.

The Police Package Intrepid has had many pathetic problems.. not sure if they've been worked out yet. But during MI State Police testing.. the Intrepid caught fire.

The Impala is an okay car. You will probably hate riding around in it all day.. and will be cramped.. especially with a laptop and partition.

Would the Dodge Charger be an option?

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 1:58 pm

Jim1348 wrote:For those of you that may have used these on a daily basis for work and/or installed equipment, are there any certain mini-vans that stand out from the others? I have used a Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth mini-van in the past and they seemed pretty reliable. And, yes, they do blend in pretty well.

Can't go wrong with a DoChryPly Minivan! I don't like any other companies offerings in this department, though the Pontiac Montana is another nice option, a few families i know have them.

But, if your looking to blend in with a minivan get a forest green Caravan, i swear i see dozens of them around here on the highway daily, must have been a popular stock color with the dealers.

So where in Minnesota might you be? Or don't you want to divulge that info and let us Minnesotan members know to watch out for that unmarked vehicle.. LOL

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 3:12 pm

ok totally unmarked doesn't really get at it.

I assume you want it to look like any other civilian ride?

Is this traffic/patrol unit or for some type of investigator?

If you wannt true "covert" I'd stay away from any of the standard police package vehicles.

Just pick a vehicle that allows you to achieve the covert appearance yet gives you room for the equipment.

Stay away from vehicles with factory consoles and other stuff in the way....

mini-vans, suv's and trucks would be my choice since you'll have equipment mounting room. Higher step in height of a truck or suv will also help hide the equipment from other driving past except for the semi crowd.

DPEMA140 · Post by **DPEMA140** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 4:19 pm

Are you looking for new or used? Since you mentioned the Intrepid, I assume that you are looking used. The 2004 was the last model year of the Intrepid, and those were built in early to mid-2003. I have an Intrepid currently, and I wish I had my Impala back. Because it is console shift, mounting light switches and radios is very difficult.

I would echo the recommendation of a mini-van. The interiors are very configurable, and there is lots of room for mounting radios and related equipment.

Mike F

compuman81 · Post by **compuman81** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 4:44 pm

how about a black crown vic?

Just kidding. I'm gonna go with the mini van Idea too...the impalas are such a pain to get equipment in there, and a grill for prisoners? ehh....stick with the minivan. Lots of room, very unsuspected, you'll have good results.

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:53 pm

And if you get the newer ones with the stow an go seating you can hide the radio in the floor compartment and just have the handheld control head up front.

Get a cellular look alike antenna and i would almost bet that most people wouldn't give it a second look. Also, most of these minivans have rear tinted windows to keep the sun off the kiddies, so if you got one with the rear tinted windows, for say someone to sit back there and observe, nobody would give it more than a passing glance.

Nothing blends in like a minivan.

compuman81 · Post by **compuman81** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 7:14 pm

agreed haha a minivan, that'll be the last vehicle I suspect a LEO to be driving around in!!! I've never seen it, and i'm good at seeing undercover dashlights, visor lights, antennas, etc. You wouldn't get a second look from me!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 7:24 pm

One town here has several unmarked mini vans. Mostly white doge units with 1/4 antennas and deep tinted windows. Primary use is for evidence and forensic techs and occationally street patrol or traffic.

Rather amusing to see speeding soccer moms in a mini van stopped by a mini-van.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 12:14 am

I'd saw throw an amber strobe on your white utility minivan and maybe a ladder on the roof to make you look like a contractor. No one would suspect a thing.

Meridian · Post by **Meridian** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:08 am

For a vehicle no one would suspect, I like the Nissan Xterra.

And under the roof air dam is a great place to hide a low profile antenna or two.

Blitzbug2u · Post by **Blitzbug2u** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 4:37 pm

One of the warrant officers here uses an Astro van--white with a 2-tone stripe around its center--looks like a telephone service vehicle--he did a color change so no one would claim trademark infring--swapped green for blue (?) with yellow. No one pays any attention to it. Even has a ladder rack w/ ladder on top. Astro's are available in 4 wheel drive as an option. A real sleeper----Blitz

jnglmassiv · Post by **jnglmassiv** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:36 pm

Adam wrote: his little drawers full of components that went everywhere.

*snicker*

Minivans are very inconspicuous.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:47 pm

^hahaha.. there's no good way to word that sentence.

JustinHale · Post by **JustinHale** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:44 am

Speaking of covert setups... Check out this link.

http://www.sti-co.com/svan.asp

Utili-sexy at its best.

shammond · Post by **shammond** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:44 pm

Were currently using a 4-Door Dodge Ram Pickup and a Suburban.

Both work well for us. The key is to make them as plain as possible. Extra stickers and crap tend to make them more unique and recognizable.

opskmallory · Post by **opskmallory** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 3:26 am

Okay, I'm going to try my hardest to actually answer your question completely. My recommendations are as follows, and may be 2nd from some other suggestions: (PS, I like pictures)

Sedan: Pontiac Grand Prix. Given that you probably don't need a major pursuit vehicle, a FWD car should be fine. Space is only a factor when you consider what you are going to install. Lighting shouldn't be a problem, nor a laptop as the passenger side has plenty of space for a good JottoDesk mount. There's enough room under the temperature controls to fit a radio head, if not the entire radio. There is enough room in the backseat to put a partition, and the rear doors open a full 90 degrees, so it makes getting in & out not too bad. Get a GT in black w/ some nice wheels and a cellular look-a-like antenna on the back window, topped off with a dark tint all the way around and no one would ever suspect you. The director of the academy here has one, and quite enjoys it.

SUV: I think a SportTrac, Xterra, or Trailblazer/Envoy would all be good picks. Xterra would be the least suspected vehicle, but also the most expensive to maintain. All have ample space and none of them are used heavily enough for anyone to think that even with an extra antenna or two strategically placed, they are anything but a personal, or maybe a commercially owned vehicle. Trailblazer = internal storage vs SporTrac = external storage, each of which has their pros and cons. All of your larger SUVs (Tahoe, Blazer, Expedition) are big and pretty common among police fleet vehicles, and as such probably should be avoided.

Mini-Van: Dodge Caravan is a good pick. Once again plenty of space, easily serviceable, and you're more likely to get confused for a sexy soccer mom than a cop. On the other hand, if you DO need a pursuit vehicle, to chase down one of your warrants, this probably woudn't be your best choice.

I have an overall preference for domestics, as most departments with their own shops wont' service, or don't like to service foreign vehicles. Some other noteworthy suggestions would be the Dodge Charger/Magnum/Chrysler 300, Chevy Malibu, Ford Five Hundred.

As for lighting, I think someone already suggested this basic setup, but I'll run it down again....

Dual Talon ABOVE the rearview mirror.

Code 3 Optix HAW LED's. These work very well, and do not require a power supply. Plus they are clear, but create colored light, adding to their "stealthiness" Put in all four corners.

911EP TD28 on the back. This will give you the option of a traffic arrow, should the need arise, but also give outstanding led warning power that'll punch through the tint with no problem. Hang from the headliner on the suv or van, or deck mount in a sedan. This is shown all amber, but you can customize the colors and get your agency red/blues in there.

2 TIR3's in the front grille of the truck or van. May not be really effective behind the grille of the Pontiac, but couldn't hurt if you wanted to try.

And dont' forget the wigwags & taillight flashers - the ultimate concealed light.

This setup would provide enough warning power that you could probably run code without too much worry, provide traffic control if necessary, but won't really be visible unless on. I recommended all LED's because of the decreased power draw and simplicity for connection. A small, custom built switch panel could run them all, and be tucked nicely above the radio. The switches from the Galls/Sho-Me remote undercover siren could be setup on the custom control box too, giving you a small all-in-one package right atop your radio, keeping everythign at your fingertips.

That basically sums it up. Of course, these are just my suggestions, and many will have opposing viewpoints. Whatever you pick, be safe out there. Don't git ded.

kb3jkp · Post by **kb3jkp** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:37 pm

Id go with an AWD Ford 500

paramedic218 · Post by **paramedic218** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 4:57 am

I LIKE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE STATION WAGON FROM MOPAR. LOTS OF MOTOR/ROOM/AND A POLICE PACKAGE IN ONE. AND WHO IS GOING TO THINK THAT YOUR GOING TO SERVE PAPERS IN A STATION WAGON

firemanfox · Post by **firemanfox** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 9:52 pm

I recommend looking at vehicles for what they have or don't have, for example, look for something that has plenty of floorspace upfront (no floor mounted center console) so you have some place to mount all your equipment. Also make sure the vehicle has composite headlights with somewhere to mount hise-a-way strobes. Nothing is more agrivating then having a box full of toys and no where to mount them. Our one ass't chief runs a new trailblazer, although it has a center console he mounted his siren/radio head and light controllers over head with on of those shelves that mount where the sunvisors bolt. It also has a couple extra little storage compartments in the back that allow for mounting the radio unit, strobe supply, etc. Take it to your local window shop and have the windows tinted with a limo tint (this is helpful for disguising extra lights and a screen)
As for lights hide-a-way strobes in the front and the rear for sure, mount a set of LEDs in the rear window and get a flip down visor light light for the passenger side visor.
hope this helps

n8xfj · Post by **n8xfj** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:02 am

If a 4x4 isn't a necessity in your situation, then I would highly recommend the ford crown victoria for the simple fact it has plenty of room in it, no problem with a prisoner cage, and can mount what ever is needed. Here in our state, the unmarked crown vic's are fully loaded.
They have the vhf/uhf radio capabilty, as well as the laptop and siren box and control box for all the hidden strobes on it. And out of all of this even a few so much as having a cb as well...The strobes are in the headlights and front grille, rear deck, taillights, front dash and above mirror mounted. Believe me when one of these units is responding code, no matter if you hear the siren or not, you can not miss this vehicle lighted up, It's more than Christmas and the 4th of July all in one..They can be easily seen day or night with no problem.

kb3jkp · Post by **kb3jkp** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:21 pm

a crown vic is a little too high profile to be doing warrant service, IMO

lunzac · Post by **lunzac** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:57 am

driving a 2000 f-150 extended cab myself, my one tip would be that if you go with a truck, utility van, suv, ect... be sure to get one with captians seats instead of a bench seat. my truck has a bench seat and it has severly limited the size of the console i was able to put in and therefor the amount of toys as well.

-zach

n8xfj · Post by **n8xfj** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 7:28 pm

Yeah truck could be a possibility or a suv, but those can still be noticiable too depending on how many antenna's and lights ectect is on it.

Help Me Recommend an Unmarked Vehicle

Help Me Recommend an Unmarked Vehicle

Chrysler Intrepid

Recommend a vehicle--

Undercover Van antenna...

ford

ok