Florida Has Deployed a Mustang for Patrol, But It’s Securing More Votes Than Citations | Carscoops

      The Florida Highway Patrol has introduced a new asset to its fleet in the form of a Mustang GT, which complements the existing Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Corvette.

      The FHP had been seeking public engagement through an online poll on America's Best-Looking Cruiser.

      Florida is not the ideal state for speeding on public roads. While officers occasionally escort high-paying residents for that purpose, the state's roads are known for being flat and straight, resembling a drag strip. However, there are significant consequences for speeding; the state is increasing its efforts to arrest offenders and has now added a powerful Ford Mustang GT to help apprehend them.

      Since Ford does not manufacture a police-spec Mustang, Florida took the initiative to create one. It remains unclear if this particular GT has been modified beyond the standard emergency lights and branding, but honestly, how much more does it need?

      The standard model boasts 480 horsepower (357 kW) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque, which should be more than sufficient to keep pace with and likely outpace most speeders that FHP typically deals with.

      The car now holds a place in FHP history, as the department had previously utilized a Mustang around 30 years ago and is doing so again. This addition follows the incorporation of other high-speed police vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger, and several Dodge Chargers.

      Photos FHP

      Florida is known for employing vehicles that appear quite civilian for traffic patrol, making the addition of the Mustang and Corvette seem unusual. However, the FHP aims to secure a win in the contest for the best-looking police cruiser in America. While the Ford is certainly capable of pursuing speeders, it may be more about garnering votes than issuing citations. The voting has closed, and the results are now pending. Importantly, the department is mainly featuring its Corvette in the survey.

      There is substantial evidence suggesting that police chases can be more harmful than beneficial. While this may be even truer at the high speeds these vehicles can reach, their mere presence could serve as a deterrent. Those who might feel confident about evading a standard Charger or Tahoe may reconsider when they spot a Mustang GT, Challenger, or Corvette's headlight signature in their rearview mirror.