Rather than focusing on a single vehicle, the report concentrates on several selected elements that make up the vehicle. The primary purpose is to make the reader more aware of current technology, of what other cities are doing, and of what research the government is conducting. In a review of the state-of-the-art, the work of a law enforcement standards laboratory is described in which evaluation and testing of police equipment has resulted in several documents. Subjects of the documents include terms and definitions of patrol cars, economic efficiency, sirens and other warning devices, light systems, radial tires, and life-cycle costs. Detailed discussions of police vehicle components comprise the greater part of the report. These components include the engine, brakes, suspension, tires, the interior, and warning system. Compact versus full-size police vehicles are compared. The report provides information for obtaining police vehicle studies and includes a list of criteria which should be addressed when writing specifications for an ideal vehicle. Six references are given. (NTIS abstract modified)