The Ford Galaxy To Be Used By Sussex Police's Forensic Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit

Three Ford Galaxy models have gone into service with the Sussex Police's Forensic Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, after having undergone modifications for the job.

In service, vehicles can attend scenes for up to eight hours, with the engines constantly running, as such, diesel Ford Galaxy models were chosen for their performance and stability.

The modifications include a 3m telescopic roof-mounted masts carrying 2800 lumen lighting for night operations. The vehicles are also required to carry cameras, videos, trolley jacks, toolkits, measuring and surveying gear, tripods, crew clothing and other equipment. A bespoke racking an storage system, police livery and public warning equipment were installed by Ford's Special Vehicle Preparations team who worked closely with Sussex police technical Engineer Neil Neve.

"Visually the new vehicles have a greater presence on the road, which is a plus in terms of public awareness but also for the safety of the officers using them," said Senior Collision Investigator Sergeant Colin O'Neill. "They are well-appointed, and everyone is very pleased with them in terms of stability and performance," he said.

"It has proved the best vehicle in terms of gross vehicle weight, performance when fully loaded, road-holding and capability in performing the tasks required of it," said Sussex Police Fleet Manager Dennis Ord.

The Ford Galaxy Titanium models, powered by the 163PS 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi engine with six speed manual transmission, returning 49.6mpg on the combined cycle. 0-62mph is achieved in 9.5 seconds, CO2 emissions are 152g/km. The models will be in service for five years.