Yes—some do, but it’s not universal. While Dodge’s Charger Pursuit lineup offers Hemi-powered options, the majority of police fleets rely on Ford and GM models with their own engine families. Availability depends on the department, model year, and pursuit requirements.
What the term Hemi means and why it matters
The term Hemi is Chrysler’s marketing name for a family of hemispherical V8 engines. In police vehicles, the Hemi badge has been attached to several powerplants, including the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 6.4-liter Hemi (392), and the 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat). These engines are designed to deliver strong acceleration and high sustained speeds for pursuits, though they come at higher cost and fuel consumption compared with some rivals.
Do police cars use Hemi engines?
The availability of a Hemi engine in a police package varies by model year and jurisdiction. The most recognizable examples are Dodge Charger Pursuit variants that can be equipped with Hemi V8s, but not all police cars use Hemis. In contrast, Ford and GM fleets typically rely on their own engine families, such as EcoBoost V6s or larger V8s, depending on the model and trim. The following examples highlight how Hemis have appeared in recent police fleets.
Before listing examples, here is the scope: engine options change with new generations and policing needs; check with the manufacturer or agency for current configurations.
- Dodge Charger Pursuit with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8: A long-standing option for pursuit-ready Chargers used by numerous departments since the 2000s and 2010s.
- Dodge Charger Pursuit with the 6.4-liter Hemi (392): A higher-performance option employed by some agencies with demanding pursuit requirements.
- Dodge Charger Pursuit with the 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat): A rare, high-performance variant adopted by a limited number of departments seeking extreme acceleration and top speeds.
In practice, Hemis are a feature of Dodge’s police lineup rather than a universal standard across all fleets. The majority of routine patrols, traffic enforcement, and community policing in North America are carried out on vehicles powered by non-Hemi engines from Ford, GM, or other manufacturers.
Other brands and engine options in typical police fleets
Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility (based on the Ford Explorer) and Police Interceptor Sedan (based on the Taurus) have primarily used EcoBoost V6 engines, with hybrid variants available in some markets. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) typically uses GM V8 configurations, with options that emphasize reliability, payload, and efficiency. Across these brands, departments weigh factors like power, durability, fuel economy, and maintenance costs when selecting engine options, so Hemis remain a notable but not universal choice.
Summary
Do police cars have hemi engines? Not universally, but yes for some models. Dodge’s Charger Pursuit lineup has offered Hemi V8 options, including the 5.7L Hemi and, in certain configurations, the 6.4L or even the 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat. The majority of police fleets around the world rely on non-Hemi engines from Ford and GM, chosen for a balance of power, efficiency, and cost. For a specific department or vehicle, the exact engine configuration should be confirmed with the agency or manufacturer.