We have Tahoes at work with a Ray Allen cage in the back seat. It's a 4x4 and not too bad. The door sill kind of acts as an intermediate step between the cage floor and the ground so the dogs don't have to jump down really at all...it's more like coming down the backside of an "A" frame obstacle instead of a jump.

I'm positive you guys/gals in LE have very different needs than I do when it comes to K9 dogs jumping in and out of SUV's. I have two rotties that ride in the rear of my Cherokee all the time. I am also concerned about the damage done to the dog exiting the vehicle. I purchased a step that mounts to the hitch ball. When not in use it swings under the bumper out of the way. It takes the dog a while to figure out why its there but when they learn to use it, it lessens the height dramatically. Might be something to consider.
Thanks for being out there with your K9 buddies to watch over us, I hope some folks take time to thank you.
Jerry

Thanks all for your input.

There is no doubt the Crown Vic's rule. However, when you have a spare tire in the trunk, first aid kits, blankets, stop sticks, then try to fit any of your equip, then it gets pretty tight - and training days are worse. They are great summer vehs, but the 6 months of winter here, and driving on packed snow and ice, doesn't cut it, regardless of the type of tires.

Michigan State Police's website has some good info on police vehs. Our unit will be attempting to purchase the Chev Tahoes either the 4x2 which is a police vehicle, or even the 4x4, however these will be a harder sell, as they are not considered to be a police cruiser.

If you go to a Tahoe and are in need of a kennel set-up for it I suggest you contact the DeKalb County, Ill. Sheriff's Dept. and find out who makes their set up. The kennel sits front to back behind the driver with an exit gate in the front. Next to the kennel is a prisioner transport area.... outstanding design. Plus the back is totally open for storage.

Will check that out, thanks Matthew!!!

Hey Brennan, just an FYI....Subaru's ARE used in Law Enforcement in the USA! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Two dept.'s that come to mind are the Colfax, Wa. PD and Seaside Heights, NJ PD.

The PD in Washington was just invloved in a high speed chase in an Outback model, doing speeds of over 105mph for 95+ miles! The Subaru Baja is the model used for the beach patrols on the Boardwalks of Seaside Heights, NJ, as well as for their town roads.

Also, the Dallas Fire-Rescue Dept. in Texas uses a 2003 Subaru Forester for it's Arson K-9 unit.

Rob, the subaru is debuting a large SUV model this summer, called the B-9 Tribeca. It looks to be an AWESOME vehicle. You may want to consider waiting to see it, or previewing it at one of the car shows that are around the counrty now. If this larger version is anything like the current vehicles on the road, it's worth investigating.

More info is available at http://www.B9Tribeca.com

Happy hunting, and good luck with your final decision <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />