Queensland Police kits out Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

The Queensland Police Service has invested in new LandCruisers for specialised District Duty Officers (DDO), with the vehicles kitted out with ARB gear and other specialised equipment.

The first of the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series police vehicles is already patrolling the streets of Ipswich, west of Brisbane, but more are set to be rolled out state-wide in coming months.

Operational police had strong input into the design of the new LandCruisers, which are equipped with a range of tools, communications systems, safety devices, command planning equipment, lighting and an ARB storage system.

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“This vehicle has been designed by the very officers responsible for leading frontline policing, which means it has everything they could want or need to do their job efficiently and safely,” said QPS Assistant Commissioner, Matthew Vanderbyl.

The DDOs using the new LandCruisers are senior officers responsible for supervising and supporting police action and operations in their district, which is why these vehicles are equipped to handle just about anything.

These LandCruisers will work around the clock to take charge of priority situations including matters of public safety, missing persons, and other serious incidents.

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Advanced technology like Reveal Shield PRO thermal imaging allows officers to see up to 50 metres in the dead of night, while a new ‘rumbler’ siren sends audio-derived shockwaves to those who may not be able to hear a traditional siren.

The rumbler siren utilises low frequency sound waves that create distinct vibrations that people in the vicinity of the vehicle will feel as well as hear, made possible by subwoofers mounted to the front of the vehicles.

“This top-of-the-range technology gives QPS District Duty Officers the tools they need to keep the community and their fellow officers safe,” said Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan.

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A silver colour was selected for the vehicles, with unique QPS decals and a large number on the roof allowing the LandCruisers to be visible to the Polair helicopter unit.

On-board ARB storage includes drawers, pull-out tables, a fridge and other bespoke storage solutions, while an array of custom lighting is neatly hidden in various positions like the factory grab points for the tailgate.

A stock aesthetic has been maintained with standard wheels, tyres and suspension, but genuine Toyota options like the bull bar and snorkel hint at off-road potential.

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Unlike other states and territories, QPS owns its fleet outright, purchasing vehicles like the LandCruisers rather than leasing them. For that reason, they are incentivised to select vehicles with strong resale as well as fitting accessories that will add value.

For that reason it is no surprise that QPS chose LandCruiser 300 Series wagons for DDO use. However, Mr Vanderbyl told us they’re also the best option in terms of their performance.

“Vehicles are one of the key pieces of equipment needed by police to ensure they can respond to the public’s calls for help in emergencies,” he said. “Everyone loves them (300 Series) and they’re hard to beat.”

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Being the most powerful, comfortable and capable LandCruiser yet, it is no surprise the 300 Series is making waves within the force as the base for one of the most advanced policing vehicles yet.

“I could not be more proud of the DDOs involved in designing this vehicle, for drawing on their more than 100 years of service collectively, resulting in one of the most advanced policing vehicles in the country,” Mr Vanderbyl said.