JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Law enforcement agencies across the nation are getting some of their vehicles checked after an issue with Ford Explorer Inceptor police vehicles.
Carbon monoxide can leak through holes drilled in the car when the police equipment was installed inside. It’s led to officers inhaling carbon monoxide and getting sick while driving.
As of Thursday, there have been no issues reported issues at our local agencies, but they are taking proper precautions. Agencies drill holes under or on the side of the car to install equipment. If those holes aren’t properly sealed, carbon monoxide can leak into the inside of the car.
The Ford Explorer Inceptor, the new police vehicle that are taking over fleets across the nation, even here locally.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has 24 of the vehicles. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has a “handful” of them. Nassau County has one. The Florida Highway Patrol has 100 across the state, several of those in our area, and expect to add 21 more this year.
Most agencies install their own equipment into these SUVs some in the trunk area, and some in the front in between the drivers and passengers seat. When that equipment is installed, holes have to be drilled in the SUV. If not sealed properly, carbon monoxide from outside can leak inside, which could cause the driver to become dizzy or sick behind the wheel.
"We got with our installation facility. We do all of our own installs for our agency, and they've been educated to look for these things," said Sgt. Dylan Bryan, of the Florida Highway Patrol. "If any kind of issues or (if something) seems not right they are to identify it and will have that rectified immediately."
Bryan also said that the FHP has installed carbon monoxide detectors in the vehicles.
"Not that all of the vehicles are affected, according to Ford, but just because of the possibility now that this has been brought up," Bryan said. "The safety of our officers is paramount, so we want to make sure we install all of those in each one of our vehicles
As for how other local agencies are handling this, St. Johns County, with the highest number in our area at 24 says 22 have already been taken to the shop. The remaining two are there now.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will replace the rear vents and the seams will be resealed in the rear of 10 vehicles. The parts were on order as of Thursday.
JSO said none of theirs have had issues but they are monitoring them. Nassau County said the one they have isn’t affected. They have been in contact with Ford.
Ford said it will cover the cost of repairs for carbon monoxide odors regardless of age, mileage or any modifications made after the purchase.