In deciding what patrol-car equipment is required for an agency, input should be solicited from the chief or sheriff, any officers with technical expertise, and a cross-section of patrol officers. Since needs and technology can change each year, someone with knowledge of these developments should be consulted. Most police departments rely on car dealerships to obtain patrol cars with the equipment they require. Even if an agency plans on upfitting patrol cars in-house, the best equipment package will be needed to fill the gaps between the base model and what the agency will install. When the dealer submits the full order for equipping the vehicle, the agency must be certain that it has included every needed item in the bid. The dealer is responsible for ensuring that the car manufacturer and the subcontractor that will equip the cars fulfill the requirements of the bid. Although dealers often use local contractors to install the equipment after the car manufacturers deliver the vehicle, it is becoming more common for manufacturers to use their own upfitters. Still, many agencies prefer ordering vehicles from a local dealer with a basic police package and then leaving the major equipment installation to a local shop. The amount of time involved in this alternative is comparable to the time it takes to get a fully equipped vehicle from the dealer. This option is preferred by many departments because local mechanics will most likely be consulted for the maintenance and repair of the equipment. This article also discusses total in-house installation by larger departments and the upgrading of existing equipment.