With New Zealand-born Constable Tui Ormsby (bottom) at the wheel, the Fiat 500 Police car (top) is busy working to solve crime and stop road accidents before they happen by attracting attention to public education programmes run by the Police.

It’s hard to imagine Australian police without their full-size V8 cruisers, but one branch of the Australian Police Force, in Sydney’s Leichhardt, has gone to the absolute other extreme with a Fiat 500 JTD, the most economical car on the Australian market, now serving as a Police car. The tiny crime fighter was introduced onto the streets earlier this month and is already making it mark.

But do not expect any highly economical police chases through the streets of Sydney. With New Zealand-born Constable Tui Ormsby at the wheel, the Fiat 500 Police car is busy working to solve crime and stop road accidents before they happen by attracting attention to public education programmes run by the Police.

“When it comes to visibility, the Fiat 500 has proven to be an exceptional car, attracting attention and interest like no other car we have used,” said Superintendent Wayne Cox, the Leichhardt Local Area Commander. “With its primary role as providing a talking point from which we can discuss road safety and break down any barriers that may exist, the Fiat Bambino Police Car has attracted interest from all areas and all age groups.”

“Despite being marked up as a police vehicle, we don’t use the Fiat for normal police work,” said Supt Cox. “The Fiat is used for community policing, it’s a great way of building rapport between young people and police and certainly helps us get our safe driving messages through to car enthusiasts. The Fiat frees up normal police cars so they can be out on the roads, not only helping to save lives but also helping to fight crime,” adds Supt Cox. 

The Fiat 500 JTD is the latest in a series of cars provided by Fiat and Alfa Romeo in Australia to police forces to help fight crime and save lives. As Australia’s most economical car, the Fiat 500 JTD Police Car is also saving the forces money.

The vehicle is being used for community policing activities by the Crime Management Team at the Leichhardt Local Area Command. Already in action, Leichhardt community members can expect to see the vehicle travelling to shopping centres; attending local schools and fetes; and at community events and festivals such as the Glebe St and Norton St Fairs.