Ford Patents Autonomous Vehicle for Highway Police

Ford has received a patent for the invention of a self-driving vehicle designed to assist highway police in tracking down traffic violators. The vehicle can hide behind trees and buildings and, if necessary, pursue offenders. This information comes from the company’s patent application.

The concept behind this vehicle is based on establishing wireless communication between all vehicles and elements of road infrastructure, such as traffic lights and cameras. Using cameras and radar, the police car can observe road situations from a concealed position and identify vehicles that are speeding. Through wireless communication, the car can contact the violator, request a photocopy of their documents, and send a fine notice. The vehicle can also exchange data with other police cars and the central police server.

It is still unknown whether Ford will actually develop this technology.

Last year, Amazon patented a pocket-sized drone for police use. This drone could be used for scouting dangerous situations, searching for and pursuing criminals, and monitoring crowds. Additionally, the miniature drone could replace body-worn cameras.