In law enforcement, the difference between life and death can come down to seconds, and having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. Ford Pro™ Telematics is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that police fleets, like the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, are equipped to respond to emergencies faster and more efficiently. With features like crash notifications, live vehicle tracking, and real-time data on maintenance needs, Ford Pro Telematics is changing how law enforcement manages their vehicles—and ultimately, how they protect their officers and the communities they serve.
For the Dane County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin, Ford Pro Telematics has already proven its worth. One night, Deputy Ben Kunde responded to a call on a treacherous, ice-covered road. While waiting for a tow truck after a civilian’s vehicle slid off the road, another vehicle approached too quickly and crashed into the front of Kunde’s parked police SUV.
In that critical moment, Kunde was able to call for help, but if he hadn’t been, the Ford Pro Telematics system would have done it for him. The crash notification feature immediately alerted the department of the incident, allowing them to send assistance even if Kunde had been incapacitated.
Captain Kerry Porter of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of this feature, saying, “The crash notifications really do have the potential to help us save a life.” In a county that spans 1,200 square miles with varying terrains and distances, having instant crash alerts ensures that help is always on the way, even when communication lines are down.
One of the standout features of Ford Pro Telematics is its ability to provide real-time visibility into fleet locations. Using the live map feature, fleet managers like Jenna Shelley can track every patrol vehicle’s exact location at any time. This enhanced situational awareness is critical, especially when officers are responding to incidents in remote areas where response times can be longer due to limited cell phone service.
By integrating Ford Pro Telematics with the department’s existing systems, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office can view and manage its fleet more efficiently. The platform not only tracks vehicle locations but also collects and analyzes key data such as fuel usage, mileage, and maintenance needs. This data is displayed on a comprehensive dashboard, providing an overview of fleet performance and helping managers like Shelley make informed decisions to keep the fleet running smoothly.
For law enforcement agencies, vehicle downtime can mean delayed response times and increased risks for both officers and the public. Ford Pro Telematics helps reduce these risks by providing near-real-time alerts for maintenance needs. From check engine lights to low tire pressure, the system keeps fleet managers in the loop, allowing them to shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance.
Shelley recalls the days when the department manually tracked vehicle data at gas pumps and generated monthly reports. “It was a lot of work with very little output,” she said. Now, with Ford Pro Telematics, she can see in real-time when vehicles need service, allowing her to coordinate with local dealerships for seamless maintenance. The system even provides detailed invoices directly on the platform, showing exactly what work was done to each vehicle.
This streamlined approach to maintenance has revolutionized fleet management for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies no longer have to take time away from their patrols to drive to the dealership and wait for service. Instead, Shelley schedules maintenance ahead of time, ensuring that vehicles are serviced without taking officers off the road.
Ford Pro Telematics goes beyond improving vehicle maintenance and uptime—it plays a crucial role in officer safety. Shelley recognizes the direct connection between well-maintained vehicles and the safety of officers in the field. “You can’t erase all the risks,” she said, “but I can reduce the risks by making sure all the maintenance is done, the tires are good, and everything is up to date.”
By providing real-time data on vehicle performance and proactively alerting fleet managers to maintenance needs, Ford Pro Telematics helps ensure that every police vehicle is in optimal condition when it’s needed most. Whether it’s responding to an emergency or patrolling the streets, officers can rely on their vehicles to be safe, functional, and ready for duty.
For law enforcement agencies like the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Ford Pro Telematics is more than just a fleet management tool—it’s an essential component of their mission to protect and serve. From life-saving crash notifications to real-time vehicle tracking and proactive maintenance alerts, the system helps keep officers safe and their vehicles running smoothly. As technology continues to evolve, Ford Pro Telematics is paving the way for smarter, more efficient police fleets, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are always ready to respond to the call of duty.
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