Chevrolet debuts police-spec Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Chevrolet has rolled out the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Special Service Vehicle meant for law enforcement use, and this truck has a few tricks up its sleeve.

The SSV package on the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab is coupled with 1W and 1LS trim levels, with the trucks using the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 hp and 383- lb-ft of torque, all while returning as much as 23 mpg on the highway. Things get a little more serious with the addition of a 170-amp high-output alternator and 730-CCA auxiliary battery, which allows occupants to operate the computers, cameras, radios, and emergency lights on the truck. The interior is also equipped with four upfitter switches for additional equipment and lights that can be mounted on the roof, in addition to the LED lightbar.

The Silverado SSV will also have some optional equipment, in the form of a spotlamp for the driver or for both the driver and the passenger, wiring for strobes that can be located in the grille, and a siren system (these have to be purchased separately from a third party, as there are many different options). Other options include strobes built into the headlight and taillight housings. In addition, law enforcement agencies can opt to ditch the front center seat to mount a vertical gun rack or computers, mount an auxiliary dome lamp, or install a rearview camera. Another cool feature is the common key package, which would allow a municipality to operate all of their Tahoe PPV and Silverado SSV police trucks with identical ignition keys.

Agencies can also choose to delete the daytime running lights, and install vinyl rear seats. A cage package isn't included as an option, as that's the type of equipment installed by third parties.

Police agencies can opt for a 2WD or a 4WD model, and can choose either the 6-foot, 6-inch pickup bed, or a shorter 5-foot, 8-inch bed.

"Last year, the Silverado 1500 was awarded for its low cost of ownership, a key purchasing factor for municipalities and government agencies," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president for GM Fleet & Commercial. "The EcoTec3 engine provides the best fuel economy of any V8 and still gives agencies the power and capability they need from a full-size pickup."

Chevrolet has been devoting more time and resources of late to courting special fleet sales, and has gone as far as importing the Chevrolet PPV sedan from Australia, targeted almost exclusively for police use.

The takeaway for non-police agency affiliated truck fans is that a Silverado that they see sitting on a highway median may not be just a highway construction truck after all. Consider yourselves warned.

By Jay Ramey