A police car—also known as a police cruiser, prowler, squad car, or cop car—is probably one of the most recognizable cars in the world. So what exactly is it? The police car is a ground vehicle used by the police when they are on patrol or when they are pursuing criminals at high speed. The majority of police cars are extremely fast and can be used to chase suspicious vehicles along with criminals that have been reported to the authorities.

Furthermore, the car is also used to house suspects before taking them to a police station, with the back of the car the designated holding area. These days, some police cars have been beefed up in order to protect those inside—but also to protect itself on the outside from hoodlums. For instance, some cars have reinforced bumpers, alley lights, and bulletproof windows, along with bigger exhausts and larger wheels.

However, police cars are becoming more and more advanced, with some receiving some interesting modifications as well as impressive restorations and custom jobs. That's right, it seems that those in the law have somewhat updated their fleets, with the police car evolving into something entirely different and innovative.

The police car is most definitely developing, with new technology enabling the police to keep one step ahead of potential crimes and criminals. Here are 20 police cars with cool modifications.

19 Beefed Up Spyker C8

Police forces across the world use a wide range of police cars on a regular basis, from supercars and smart cars to electric cars and gigantic gas guzzlers. However, not all of these cars work out. Thankfully, the Spyker C8 does, with the Dutch supercar one of the best around. That's right, the car, which is kitted out in the country's police car colors, has been modified to perfection. For instance, the car holds an Audi-sourced V8 which has potential criminals already on the backfoot. In addition, the car is also a convertible, which automatically makes it the coolest police cruiser on the planet. But one question still needs to be answered... where do the arrested criminals go?

18 Modified Vintage Highway Patrol Cruiser

For some reason, the older the police car, the better it looks, even if they might not be as capable now as they once were. The first police car in the United States was a wagon run by electricity. The car first presented itself on the streets of Ohio in 1899 and was most certainly a sight to behold. However, the police car, like most things, has gone through a number of changes of the years, with the old school patrol cruiser a firm favorite among car enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. The car is extremely different from modern cruisers, with its chrome bumper an obvious choice for aesthetics rather than functionality.

17 Unmarked Undercover Charger

In 2017, an Indiana man was arrested for attempting to start a street race with an unmarked Dodge Charger police car. Police later revealed that the man in question rolled up behind the unmarked Dodge and instigated that they race by speeding up behind it and knocking the car's bumper. Sadly, the man failed to realize that the unmarked vehicle was, in fact, part of the LaPorte County Sherrif's Office Dodge Charger police unit, and was immediately taken into custody. So, next time you are out driving and feel like starting a race with an unmarked car, make sure you check that there isn't an undercover police officer inside—or even better, don't do it at all.

16 Ford Police Interceptor Utility

Ford Police Interceptor police vehicles are a variant of the original car. The cars are manufactured by the legendary Ford Motor Company, and like regular cars, have gone through a number of generations. The Ford Police Interceptor Utility is one the biggest Interceptors in the world and was sold to law enforcement agencies between 2012 and 2013. The car, which, surprisingly, uses the 3.7-liter V6 from the Ford Mustang, is a beast of a machine and modified beyond recognition for police use. For instance, the car comes with a fitment of emergency equipment such as sirens and radios and is also fitted with bigger brake roots and a better cooling system.

15 Nissan GT-R Squad Car

The Nissan GT-R is a two-door, high-performance vehicle produced by legendary car manufacturer Nissan. The car was first released in 2007 to immediate success and was somewhat of a successor to the also popular Nissan Skyline GT-R. Over the years, the car has been nicknamed "Godzilla" due to its crazy high performance. In fact, it is no surprise to see that the car has been adopted by the police service, with the Nissan GT-R being one of the best police cruisers in the world. So what makes it so great? The speed, of course, with the car most certainly built for high-speed chases and fast pursuits. Yes, there is no escaping this monster.

14 German BMW i3s

Police cars differ all over the world, with countries offering up their own interesting and exciting version of a police vehicle. For instance, the police department in Germany recently rolled out a fleet of BMW i3s which have divided the opinion of many. The cars, which are electric, have been praised for helping to lessen carbon emissions and save the environment. However, with regards to catching criminals, they are probably not the best cars in the world to do the job. That's right, the BMW i3 has a range of just 100 miles, which is tiny when your number one job is to, basically, drive around all day.

13 AC Schnitzer Mini E Electric Car

Everyone loves a Mini right? Over in Germany, BMW has incorporated the Mini into their police force, using the car in Munich, the state capital of Bavaria. The car was part of a program to enhance a more positive image of the police force, as well as its officers. In fact, just like the police officers, the car wears a silver paint uniform combined with a modern blue and neon yellow finish, just like those who work within the force. Speaking about the new design, the head of Mini German, Christian Ach claimed, "The MINI has always been a very special popular figure. We are pleased that now the youngest model generation will serve as an ambassador for the important work of the Munich police."

12 Restored California Highway Patrol Car

The California Highway Patrol cruiser is probably one of the most famous cars in the world, aesthetically anyway. Yes, the car is a vintage classic and has been used in a number of movies and television shows of the years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to see several of the cars restored to their natural beauty, with the California Highway Patrol Cruiser now a common sight to be seen once again. In fact, the picture above demonstrates a recently restored cruiser patrolling the streets of California. The car has been fitted with a brand new bumper, a period-accurate paint job, and a whole load of attitude.

11 Michigan Squad Car

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the whole of the Midwest, if not the United States. The state's police force is also somewhat unique, especially when it comes to their car's design. For instance, the police cruiser has large bright red lights attached to the top of the car, something that is exclusive to Michigan only. The car is also painted a distinctive ocean blue that is much darker than most police cars across the country. Furthermore, the vehicle has large spotlights, a big brush guard, and a threatening bumper ready to scare away those potential criminals.

10 Chevrolet Bolt EV Police Car

In 2018, the small city of Hyattsville, located in Maryland, United States, proudly displayed their new fleet of electric police cars, otherwise known as the Chevy Bolt EV. The cars were applauded for their lack of carbon emissions and environmental benefits. However, there was also some light discussion with regards to how effective they would be when catching potential criminals. For instance, the cars were mocked for their lack of speed, as well as acceleration. Interestingly, the police force claimed that the lack of speed was done on purpose, with the force instead focusing on friendly interactions between officers and citizens. Hmmmm.

9 Hummer Copper

Not everyone is a fan of the Hummer, especially with regards to the environment. However, they do make great police cruisers, as can be seen in the picture above. The Hummer police car is extremely popular in Texas, which should come as no surprise, as they sure do like things bigger and better in that state. The vehicle has been modified beyond belief, with large chrome rims one of the most obvious new features. Despite the bad connotations that are connected to the Hummer, the car does its job with regards to police work and is one of the most intimidating police cruisers on the market.

8 Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria, otherwise known as the Crown Vic, is a full-size sedan manufactured by Ford between 1992 and 2011. Although the car was available to the public, a modified and, let's face it, better car was designed for the police force, with the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor introduced in 2002. The police car's modifications included a better engine that generated a whole load of power, brighter lights attached to the side of the vehicle, and humongous metal bumper that could terrify the hardest of criminals. However, the cars were often unmarked, as well as painted a dark brown to avoid attention.

7 Ford Explorer SUV

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the legendary Ford Motor Company. The car was first introduced in 1990 and is now into its fifth generation. Over the years, the car has been adopted by many police forces, mostly due to its reliability and sturdiness. In fact, a specially modified Special Service Vehicle model became available for law enforcement agencies and fire departments across the world and has been extremely popular. The car has a number of cool modifications such as bulletproof doors, a bigger engine, and a radar system. Yes, this car really is the bee's knees when it comes to modified police cruisers.

6 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is one of the most popular cars in the world and was first released as a show car in 1964. Over the years, there have been a number of different Chargers on the market, such as a personal luxury coupe, a full-sized sedan, and a subcompact hatchback. Police forces are also big fans of the cars and have often adopted it as one of their own. For instance, the police Charger has been modified to be an adaptable yet sturdy police car with a number of interesting features. That's right, the car is often used undercover and is extremely stealthy when it needs to be.

5 Dodge Challenger Sherrif

The Dodge Challenger was one of the most iconic vehicles ever made and spanned over three different generations. Therefore, it is no surprise to see that police forces have adopted the Dodge Challenger as one of their own. The car, which has been modified in order to catch potential criminals, is perfect for high-speed chases and pursuits. In fact, a number of modifications have been added, such as bigger and more robust tires, sturdy and muscular rims, reinforced steel doors, and a larger engine. Furthermore, the car is often unmarked, with potential criminals often mistaking them for street racers.

4 Ford Crown Victoria RallyCross

The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor—otherwise knowns as the CVP1, P71, or Crown Vic—is one of the coolest cars on the planet. However, imagine a cross between a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and a rallycross. Now, that's truly the coolest car on the planet. That's right, from 1997 to 2011, the Ford Crown Victoria Rallycross has become somewhat of a staple among police cars across the USA. In fact, the car is the most widely used automobile in law enforcement in both the USA and Canada and can also be seen across the globe. For instance, in Russia, the car became a symbol of Moscow's police force during the mid-90s and has been featured in several movies.

3 The Ariel Atom

The British are known for doing things differently, from driving on the wrong side of the road to having two separate faucets with two separate temperatures. Yes, they really are a unique bunch. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to see that their police force is also a tad strange. That's right, the British police force has one of the most interesting fleets of police cars on the list, with the cars more like children's toys than actual police cruisers. Yes, the Ariel Atom might be a showstopper on a racing track but on the streets, it seems more likely to struggle.

2 Škoda Octavia 

The Škoda Octavia is a small family car made by Czech manufacturers Škoda Auto and has become a firm favorite for car enthusiasts across the globe. The car has been around since 1996 and has spawned a further three more generations throughout its time. Overall, the vehicle is known for its reliability, therefore it is no surprise to see that the police force quickly adopted the car as one of their own. Then, in 2015, Škoda released the Octavia vRS 230, which was an even more powerful version of the popular police cruiser. Since then, the car has become a staple among law enforcement fleets across the world and is likely to continue over the upcoming years.

1 Police Car Spotlight

Sadly, not all vehicle modifications are legal, with a number of things banned from public use. For police cars, it is obviously a different story, with the cruisers allowed a whole sordid collection of interesting and exciting mods. For instance, the spotlight is a firm fixture among several police cars across the world and seems to be only getting the bigger. Sadly, the light fixture is illegal for regular cars, with the light only available to the police force. The light is typically fixed to the roof or windshield of the car and is designed to improve visibility and make it safer for the police to travel at high speeds.

Sources: Wikipedia, AutoExpress, and Piston Heads