Hennepin Tech Buys High-Tech Squad Cars for Student Training
Students enrolled in Hennepin Technical College’s law enforcement program in Brooklyn Park just got a big upgrade to their equipment.
The technical college now has 10 new squad cars to help prepare student for their future careers.
New Hennepin Tech squad cars park outside the technical college.
The state-of-the-art vehicles come with lights, radios, pre-recorded messages, and a place for a laptop and printer.
“They can bring everything right up on the computer and print their tickets if they need to do a ticket,” said Hennepin Technical College Academic Dean Kara Garrett.
The 2024 Ford Explorers replace a fleet of outdated squad vehicles Hennepin Tech had used for training.
Inside look of new Hennepin Tech squad car.
“Going from something that you are going to see departments using, it is a 100 percent turnaround,” said Garrett.
The cars also come equipped with a PA system—another tool to help give students a realistic feel for what they will be using when they graduate.
“It just makes it more realistic for the students,” says Garrett. “So the students when they are in classes, they get the experience that they are going to have out in the field so they are better prepared.”
Hennepin Tech wants to prepare the cadets and show their support.
“Everybody when they come to classes, they want to use updated equipment and this is a way for us to also show the community we are dedicated to the program,” said Garrett.
Hennepin Tech was able to buy the new squad cars with a $1 million federal grant.
The college also used some of the money to improve its virtual training system.
