HR0239 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0239 LRB099 11135 MST 31603 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The General Assembly values the courage and hard work of law enforcement officers; it is important to ensure that these officers have the tools necessary to perform their duties without safety concerns; and

WHEREAS, Ford stopped making the Crown Victoria in 2011, but nearly two-thirds of the present State police fleet are still Crown Victorias; and

WHEREAS, Safety concerns have been expressed concerning the use of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors; and

WHEREAS, The expansive front seat, the powerful V-8 engine, and the large trunk have made the Crown Victoria a favorite for officers, but certain design features have concerned auto-safety advocates as well as trial lawyers; and

WHEREAS, The Crown Victoria exceeds federal crash safety standards, however, the location of the fuel tank makes it especially dangerous for police work; and

WHEREAS, Safety advocates claim the position of the fuel tank on the Ford Crown Victoria, behind the rear axle rather than above or in front of the axle, has made the car more likely to burst into flames when struck from behind; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that over 800 Illinois State Police squad cars on the road are Ford Crown Victorias; and

WHEREAS, It is critical to insure that the Illinois law enforcement personal are safe so that they are able to protect and serve; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois State Police to study the safety of the current fleet of Ford Crown Victorias; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the report be delivered to the members of the Illinois House of Representatives by January l, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of the Illinois State Police.