New Skoda police dog vehicle joins blue-light fleet

The Skoda Kodiaq is the latest model in the manufacturer’s line-up to be converted into a specially designed police dog unit.

The Kodiaq dog vehicle comes fitted with a range of driver assistance and safety features that ensure a police dog can travel safely and securely to any emergency, it says.

The large SUV is available with a choice of four engines: two petrol and three diesel with power outputs ranging from 150PS to 239PS. Forces can choose between two or four-wheel drive and manual or DSG transmissions.

Some of the standout features on the car include two air-conditioned dog kennels with temperature monitoring, purpose built into the rear of the vehicle.

The dog can also evacuate the vehicle quickly if needed thanks to a front escape hatch with drop glass built into each kennel. Additional emergency equipment can be stored in an area in front of the kennels.

It’s not just dogs the vehicle caters for, it also comes fitted with all of the necessary blue-light requirements such as 360’ emergency services lighting and an engine Run Lock system, which keeps the engine running while the key is removed from the ignition. The function enables a useful power supply for lights, radios or safety equipment computers, without the battery going flat.

The conversion has been built in conjunction with the Policing Authority and complies with RSPCA and DEFRA requirements, and is available for order now.

Henry Williams, head of fleet at Skoda UK, said: “We know police dogs play a pivotal role in an emergency service response; therefore, they need an environment that provides the appropriate level of safety and comfort to get them to and from an emergency.

“The versatile Kodiaq police dog vehicle has all of the necessary features to ensure police dogs are well looked after when going about their vital work.”

Bespoke conversions for emergency service fleets can be provided through Skoda’s ‘one-stop’ shop package.

Skoda Fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, with the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements built into one package.