A police car is an emergency vehicle used by law enforcement for patrols, responding to incidents, and transporting suspects, typically identified by distinctive livery, emergency lights, and sirens. The world's first police car, an electric wagon, was introduced by the Akron Police Department in Ohio in 1899, operated by Officer Louis Mueller, Sr., and could reach 16 mph. The 1932 Ford Flathead V8 became highly popular with US police, leading major automakers to develop specialized police models from the 1940s onwards.
A significant transformation occurred in the UK when Captain Athelstan Popkess, Chief Constable of Nottingham City Police (1930-1959), developed the "Mechanised Division," integrating two-way radios and making cars central to policing tactics. Post-World War II, police cars became practically indispensable due to increased car ownership, urban expansion, and the need for rapid response to vehicular crimes. These vehicles are vital, equipped with communication devices and various tools for emergency situations.