Hybrid SUVS Added to Cincinnati Police Fleet

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Police Department is adding Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs to its fleet, according to Toyota Motor Sales USA.

The 270-hp Highlanders will be converted into K-9 units, supporting bomb-sniffing dogs and counter-terrorism specialists. With the addition of these SUVs, the Cincinnati Police Department will have a total of eight Highlander Hybrids in its vehicle fleet, the automaker said.

Toyota has been working with Cincinnati's K-9 team for several years now. A few years ago, the automaker helped the police department acquire and train a patrol dog. The dog, affectionately named "Tundra," after Toyota's full-size pickup, is considered one of the best canines of its kind in the country.  In 2004, the Cincinnati Police Department hosted the 2004 United States Police Canine Regional Trials, and Toyota contributed $15,000 in support of the local competition.

The Cincinnati Police Department conducted K-9 demonstrations for company employees at the Cincinnati Regional Sales Office Nov. 2. During the event, K-9 officers conducted simulated scenarios for dogs specially trained in bomb and drug detection and standard patrol situations. A few converted, police-owned Highlander Hybrids were also on display.