The Ford Mustang has lost ground to more practical vehicles like Ford’s Explorer SUV and F-150 pickup truck in recent decades when it comes to police duty. However, the popular sports car is still used by some agencies for specialized roles.
One area where the Mustang continues to have a presence in law enforcement is highway patrol and pursuit, thanks to its speed and performance. Some agencies also use Mustangs as unmarked vehicles or for community engagement events, where they help attract attention.
One agency that has recently added the Mustang to its fleet is the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which in February introduced 25 examples of the latest seventh-generation Mustang. These cars are equipped with the Mustang’s available 5.0-liter V-8 engine, though the specific power output remains undisclosed.
The agency had not used the Mustang in its fleet for several years. Preparing the latest version for police duty required logistics staff to outfit the vehicles with proper law enforcement equipment and driving trainers to evaluate their performance and capabilities. The process began last year but was temporarily delayed as the agency redirected resources to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Speeders in the state should think twice before attempting to outrun one of these Mustangs, as things can get fast very quickly. With its powerful V-8 engine and pursuit-ready capabilities, the Mustang gives the agency an edge in enforcing traffic laws on the open road.
