SEAL BEACH : Cruiser Puts Police in the Driver’s Seat

To the untrained eye, the police department’s Saleen Mustang looks a lot like any other police cruiser. But those who take a closer look at the “Seal Beach Special” find a long list of customized extras.

The idea to build the Mustang SB/S came after an officer died in an accident while driving one of the department’s unmodified Mustangs at high speed two years ago.

“Your normal police car will experience lift and lose traction in a high-speed chase,” Police Chief Bill Stearns said. “This car offers the ultimate in passenger safety.”

Stearns detailed the streamlined features.

The front scoop, air dams and full-width rear wing reduce drag and allow officers to maintain speeds over 80 m.p.h. without experiencing lift or losing traction. The car’s eight-inch-wide wheels, special suspension bushings and under-hood cross-bracing further enhance the car’s manageability, Stearns said.

The car costs $25,000, about $10,000 more than a standard cruiser.

Stearns said the car is designed to increase public safety by cutting down on chases. Because it accelerates so quickly--from zero to 60 in under six seconds--the Mustang catches up with violators before they have a chance to try to outrun an officer, he said.

“The purpose of this car is to eliminate high-speed pursuit,” he said. “The officers are on top of the violators so quickly, the idea of escape is out of the question.”