Coventry Police Unveil New Polaris Ranger Off-Road Vehicle

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry police have a new tool at their disposal. The department unveiled its now Polaris Ranger, an off-road utility vehicle that will allow officers get anywhere otherwise inaccessible by a regular police cruiser.

The vehicle has a variety of uses, including patrolling areas like bike paths, off-road trails and parks, as well as transporting people and equipment to off-road areas as needed. The Polaris will also allow officers to more easily access remote crime scenes, making transportation of evidence far easier.

"We first realized the usefulness of an off-road vehicle during several search and rescue options that our personnel participated in over the past few years," the department said. "Most notably the search for Patti Pendleton in 2016 where we saw ATVs, quads and other vehicles used during the search by other departments which searching the very large Arcadia Management area for a week. With Coventry’s long bike path and many parks and woodland management areas in Western Coventry, we felt this was a necessary option to upgrade our towns emergency response capabilities."

During search and rescue missions, the department will use the vehicle to cover more ground in a short period of time and easily navigating difficult terrain.

Finally, the Polaris will be used for community policing, making appearances at events such as parades, road races and other town events.

Because it is such a versatile vehicle, the department said it plans to work with the fire department and emergency management agency to improve emergency responses. The vehicle also has a rear seat, litter and IV holder for this purpose.

The Polaris was not bought with any taxpayer funds, and was completely funded by forfeiture money, police said.