Yale Public Safety’s Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

October 4-11 is Sustainability Week. Yale Public Safety continues to contribute to a more sustainable future with its police and security officers patrolling the campus on foot, bicycles, electric bicycles and patrollers, and hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Yale Police Department (YPD) began its journey to help improve the environment in 2009 by purchasing its first hybrid vehicle.

Sergeant Daniel Rainville, fleet manager for Yale Police, said, “There were no police package hybrid vehicles in production at the time, so we purchased a civilian 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. While the vehicle was not designed for routine patrol service, it has been a mainstay as a special service vehicle since it was added to our fleet.”

By 2019, Rainville was introduced to the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid at a Police Vehicle Conference. He said the vehicle was not only designed for rigorous law enforcement duty but also better for the environment and more cost-effective over its lifetime.

“Ford studies showed that fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and lower wear on the drivetrain could offset the initial investment in hybrid technology. We ordered two hybrid models and have never looked back,” said Rainville.

Today, the YPD operates 11 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles. Rainville said the vehicles have proven invaluable in lowering operational costs while maintaining the high level of performance required by the officers.

“The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is still in operation. It has been a faithful companion for one of our officers. We are planning to replace this aging vehicle with Yale Police’s first all-electric vehicle in the near future,” said Rainville.

In addition to hybrid vehicles, YPD also leverages the latest in personal mobility for its officers. Conventional pedal and Trek electric pedal assist bicycles, along with three newly acquired TRIKKE all-electric personal patrol vehicles, provide environmentally friendly, highly mobile transportation for officers in a very congested city.

Yale Security’s Role in Sustainability

Yale Security has also made strides in reducing its environmental footprint. In 2009, Yale Security purchased its first hybrid, Toyota Hylander, for the West Campus and added its first electric Chevy Bolt in 2015. Three new electric vehicles were recently added to the fleet.

Yale Security operates three electric vehicles, eight hybrid vehicles, motorized electric bikes and patrollers, and 57 bicycles, all of which contribute to diminishing the campus’ environmental impact. Peter Leonardo, program coordinator for Yale Security, said, “The alternative modes of transportation used in Yale Public Safety allow our police and security officers to navigate campus more efficiently while being environmentally conscious.”