Ford Motor Company Offers Award-Winning Surveillance Mode Technology to Encourage Expanded Adoption

Ford Motor Company is announcing the availability of its multi-patent-pending surveillance mode technology to other vehicle manufacturers and for use in military applications. Award-winning surveillance mode – available on Ford Police Interceptor – was developed to warn law enforcement officers of unexpected approaches from behind the vehicle. It is being made available by Ford and through InterMotive Inc. to expand adoption of the system to help protect law enforcement officers and military personnel around the globe.

Ford is announcing the availability of its multi-patent-pending surveillance mode technology to other vehicle manufacturers and for use in military applications. (Photo: Business Wire)

Ford and InterMotive worked together to develop, manufacture and provide the surveillance mode system for use on Ford Police Interceptor beginning with 2014 vehicles. InterMotive, based in Auburn, California, is known for providing innovative vehicle control systems for various applications, including law enforcement.

The system uses the existing rearview camera and radar to detect a person approaching the vehicle from behind and then automatically sounds a chime, rolls up the driver’s side window, lock all doors and flashes exterior lighting. While officers write reports, monitor their in-car computer or radar and perform other tasks sitting in their vehicles, surveillance mode gives them an extra set of eyes to help protect against threats. When the system is activated by the officer, it provides added situational awareness and a first line of defense from potential assailants.

“We want to assist with and improve the security of all police officers – whether they are using a Ford Police Interceptor or a competitive vehicle,” said Randy Freiburger, Ford police and ambulance special vehicle engineering supervisor. “Combining existing Ford technologies with the development of a new control module and software has created an innovative system that improves security for police officers while they are in their vehicles.”

Ford recently earned the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive’s Award for development and offering of Surveillance Mode technology and its significant contributions toward improving officer security. The award was presented at NOBLE’s 38th Annual Conference and Exhibition.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from NOBLE and hope to expand adoption of the innovative technology throughout the industry,” said Chris Danowski, director of technology commercialization and licensing, Ford Global Technologies LLC. “Since surveillance mode technology is also applicable to military use, Ford and InterMotive are showcasing it to various governmental agencies as well.”

“Working with Ford, we have been able to bring creative solutions to the market for many years,” said Greg Schafer, president of InterMotive. “Working with Ford on this project has been especially gratifying because of the increase in officer security surveillance mode provides – officers immediately understand just how much this product can help them in the field.”

For those wishing to license the technology from Ford, it and other technologies are available through Ford’s corporate Technology Licensing Portal.

Automobile manufacturers, law enforcement agencies or companies wanting to purchase the surveillance mode system can contact InterMotive at http://www.intermotive.net.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 186,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About InterMotive, Inc.

InterMotive, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company based in Auburn, California. InterMotive currently designs and manufactures vehicle control systems for the work truck, police and emergency vehicles, transit and mobility markets. To learn more about InterMotive’s products, please call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.

About NOBLE

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) serves as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to Justice by Action. NOBLE has over 60 chapters and represents over 4,000 members worldwide that represent chief executive officers and command-level law enforcement officials from federal, state, county, municipal law enforcement agencies, and criminal justice practitioners. The combined fiscal budget oversight of our membership exceeds $8 billion. NOBLE serves more than 60,000 youth through its major program components which include: Mentoring, Education, Leadership Development, and Safety.

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