Located on Northern California's scenic Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is a quaint town known for its historical significance, beautiful coastline, and an influx of tourists that can double or even triple its population during peak seasons. Despite its small size, Fort Bragg has embraced innovative practices, particularly within its police department. Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka notes that the town's population increases from about 6,900 to much more during high-traffic months, highlighting the need for efficient and effective policing.
With a force of 17 sworn officers, Fort Bragg Police Department is comparable to many small departments across the United States. However, this department distinguishes itself with its forward-thinking approach. In the fall of 2022, Fort Bragg PD decided to replace half of its police fleet with 2023 Ford F-150® Lightning® Pro Special Service Vehicles (SSVs), the nation’s first electric pickup trucks specifically designed for law enforcement.
Chief Cervenka recognized that while other agencies were beginning to use electric vehicles, Fort Bragg PD would be among the early adopters of electric pickup trucks for patrol duties. Initially, he hadn’t considered a pickup truck for police work. However, given Northern California's rugged terrain and coastline, which often require four-wheel drive, the F-150 Lightning Pro SSV's high ground clearance, generous storage space (including a front trunk or "frunk"), and towing capabilities made it an excellent choice. Moreover, with a zero-to-60 mph time of under four seconds, the electric truck delivers the performance needed for police operations.
To support its new electric fleet, Fort Bragg PD is utilizing an EV incentive program from a local utility provider to build the necessary electrical infrastructure and install Level 2 and Level 3 chargers at the police station. Despite supply chain delays, the department is currently using Level 1 chargers with 220-volt outlets. This arrangement allows officers to charge their trucks at the end of their shifts, ensuring they have fully charged vehicles ready the next day. Given the town’s size, this charging method is sufficient for now, as officers can often drive for two or three 12-hour shifts without needing to recharge.
The F-150 Lightning Pro SSV's Connected Built-In Navigation system further enhances efficiency by mapping the quickest routes and locating public EV charging stations as needed. The system also provides estimates for charging times and allows officers to filter routes by charger levels, ensuring they find the most efficient options.
The transition to electric vehicles has not been without its challenges. For instance, two sergeants taking an F-150 Lightning Pro SSV to a recruitment fair in Sacramento encountered an issue when they mistakenly routed to a Level 1 charger, which would have taken several hours to fully charge the vehicle. This incident highlighted the importance of understanding the differences between charger levels and knowing how to locate them.
Chief Cervenka took this lesson to heart. To demonstrate effective EV charging on long trips, he and a sergeant embarked on a 600-mile journey to a law enforcement expo in Ontario, California. By using the navigation system to find Level 3 chargers, they managed to charge the vehicle from 37% to 90% in just 40 minutes at a cost of $27. Over the entire trip, they stopped to charge three times, each for about half an hour, with total charging costs amounting to $103. This successful journey helped build confidence in the feasibility of long-distance travel with electric police vehicles.
Fort Bragg PD’s commitment to electric vehicles is only beginning. The department has ordered a fifth F-150 Lightning Pro SSV and plans to transition to a fully electric patrol fleet within the next two to three years. This progressive approach has garnered support from the community and city council, positioning Fort Bragg as a leader in sustainable law enforcement.
Chief Cervenka’s experiences highlight the importance of education and planning in transitioning to electric vehicles. By sharing these lessons, Fort Bragg PD aims to inspire other departments to consider the benefits of EVs and prepare for the future of policing.
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