Toy Police Jeeps have always been more popular than they ever actually have been as full-size Police Service Jeeps. Here are a few examples. See also Police Service Toy Cherokees and Military Police Jeep Toys.
The 10" long Tonka No. 325 Police Jeep first appeared in early 1965 with the original Tonka body style and a black & white striped version of the hard plastic Surrey top, mounted on steel posts. But for some reason this Tonka didn't gain the popularity of the Jeep wrecker, the Army "Commander", or even the Air Force Jeep.
See also a front view and bottom view (100K JPEGs).
When Tonka dropped the Surrey, the Police Jeep also lost its striped top. In the later 1965 and 1966 editions of the Tonka catalogue, the same model is shown, but with the improved body style and a molded plastic all-black "canvas" top. The Police Jeep was discontinued after 1966, so it's harder to find than some of the other Tonkas today.
See more Tonka Jeeps on CJ3B.info.
Lithographed tinplate Jeeps, made mainly in Japan from the 1950s to the 1970s, were often dressed for police service, which allowed lots of colorful details to be included. (See also Tinplate Lithography on Toy Jeeps: How It's Done.) One of the most popular features was a large two-way radio in the back seat.
This large (approx. 5" high by 11" long) tinplate Jeep from TN (Toys Nomura) was sold in a number of variations over the years. This early flatfender version had an opening hood, and hood blocks for the folding windshield. See also the detailed flathead engine (120K JPEG).
One cop moves his arms with the steering wheel (all of which are unfortunately missing on this example, along with his partner's hat.) Thanks to Dennis Woyma for the photos.
This smaller "Police Patrol" unit with some similar features was probably also from TN, but didn't include the opening hood. See the detailed dashboard (15K JPEG).
At some point the larger Nomura Jeep was given a one-piece body and lost some of the details, but an added action feature saw the radio handset raised when the battery-powered motor stopped moving.
Although the TN Jeep was mostly plain white, the two figures (160K JPEG) were a great example of the detailed lithography found on some tinplate.
This later version was modified with folded front fenders which appeared on Mitusbishi Jeeps in Japan in 1960. See also a rear view (110K JPEG).
A mint example of this toy in the box (190K JPEG) might sell for close to $1,000. See also the back of the box (160K JPEG).
TN eventually moved to a battery-operated tinplate and plastic version, probably in the 1970s. Nine inches long, it hah a tin body with plastic base, blinker light, interior and driver. Much less interesting, but cheaper to produce than the labor-intensive tinplate lithography process. Forward, reverse and turning was controlled by the switch in the rear.
Ken Dickerson found a police version of this basic "Made in Japan" Jeep, which explains the reason for the short, stubby radio aerial many of us have seen in the rear of this toy. Apparently it was intended to hold a twisted wire antenna, rarely seen on the surviving copies of the toy. Ken also notes that the radio itself is reversed in comparison to the more-commonly-seen olive drab version of the Jeep.
This Police command Jeep, with communications console in the rear seat, was made in Japan by Daiya. It's another good example of the intricate detailing on some of the Japanese lithographed toys. The figures are tin with plastic hats. See also a rear view photo (30K JPEG).
This photo was sent by Mike Albright, along with the photos of his collection of newer Police Cherokees and CJ's. Mike says, "This may just get me started collecting tin. This is a great Jeep! It is an older "Made in Japan" tin friction motor Jeep. It is approximately 7 in. long (17.5 cm), and has lots of detailed litho work. The tires are rubber. Thanks to Bill for the Jeep!" See also a front view photo (52K JPEG).
The battery-powered "T.V. Police Jeep" made in Taiwan by Kuang Hui, is larger (9 in. long) and has an even more elaborate rear console which includes a lighted "TV screen". The screen displays changing pictures, and the toy also makes a siren sound. (This vehicle may not be an exact replica of an actual prototype...)
This mint item from 1974 is in the collection of Juan Manuel Yeste Cortes. Manufactured in Spain by Rico, the 400mm (16 in.) metal toy has full-function remote control including electric siren.
Meanwhile the Carabinieri (Italian police) are represented by this 1970's 1/43-scale diecast from Mebetoys in Italy, which had been bought by Mattel in 1969 Mebetoys also made an olive drab "Public Security" version and a fire service version.
When Corgi was considering a series of diecast police models in 2001, some people were hoping to persuade the company to include a Mahindra CJ-3B which served as a Highway Patrol vehicle (30K JPEG) for the West Bengal Police in India.
Perhaps a standout among the China-made dollar-store diecasts of the 1990s, is this casting with hardtop, opening doors and detailed plastic base (and hatched grille...)
This December 2004 release is part of a series of police models from Hachette in France. The model is produced by Norev and distributed by Hachette. See also a rear view photo (60K JPEG), and a photo of the packaging (50K JPEG) which is a replica of an older Norev box.
Their announcement in French of this release translates as follows: "Like many police and security forces around the world, the Gendarmerie of France use Jeeps for certain functions. The Willys MB and Ford GPW models are used, and particularly the M201 version built by Hotchkiss in France. This 1/43 scale metal and plastic model represents an example employed by the Gendarmerie at helicopter bases, equipped with a fire extinguisher for fast emergency response."
The model also comes with a booklet (50K JPEG) including articles on Willys history and Jeeps in police work, and some photos of the prototype, a Willys MB which was apparently modified in the 1970's with a large dry powder extinguisher, and in service into the early 1990's. See a prototype front view (90K JPEG). Photos courtesy Laboratoire central de la gendarmerie nationale.
Since 2012, GreenLight Collectibles has been perhaps the most active diecast manufacturer in terms of Jeeps. They also have a popular Hot Pursuit line of 1:64 police cars, and the two interests came together in this JK from Hot Pursit Series 15, based on an actual prototype in Geneva, Illinois.
As originally shown in photos of Hot Pursuit Series 15 (250K JPEG) the model had no lightbar, but GreenLight's typical precision came through in the end with the correct blue and red plastic detail. Thanks to Swifty's Garage for this photo.
The one detail of the Geneva Police Wrangler that GreenLight missed, was the fact that the prototype Jeep is right-hand drive, to make parking enforcement easier!
Photo by Laura Stoecker, courtesy of the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago. See also the Hot Pursuit bubble pack (140K JPEG).
As of 2017, GreenLight has added two more Hot Pursuit versions of the 1/64-scale JK, both based on prototypes in a pretty plain white livery, despite the more colorful examples out there.
This Jeep from Hermosa Beach, California at least has a bit of graphic color. It comes from Series 18 (150K JPEG). Photo courtesy Phil's 1st Pix under CC.
In addition, Series 23 (150K JPEG) brought a black & white from Burlington, Wisconsin (160K JPEG).
This photo of Hermosa Beach's actual Community Services Unit 48, a 2007 Wrangler, is courtesy PoliceCarArchives.org.
The Hot Pursuit range is clearly very popular, having reached Series 29 (150K JPEG) in 2018. This set includes the new 1/64-scale postal Jeep casting, representing Dallas Police RHD parking enforcement unit 801.
The DJ-5-series postal Jeeps were not as widely used by police forces as the earlier DJ-3A (see Police Service Jeeps on CJ3B.info.) However, GreenLight has again based their model on a prototype photo; the Dallas Police Jeep is a 1977 DJ-5F.
GreenLight's Series 40 (120K JPEG) calls this one a 1974, which would be a DJ-5C. It's identified as belonging to the Indianapolis Police, but I haven't seen any details or photos of the prototype.
See also a rear view (300K JPEG). Thanks to Autumn Pillars for the photos.
GreenLight's next police version was scheduled for release in January 2023, not in the Hot Pursuit line but in their 1/64 military line, Battalion 64 Series 3.
They're calling this U.S.A.F. Air Police Jeep a 1971 Jeep DJ-5, which would be a DJ-5B. The Air Force did actually have their own unique Dispatcher in Strata Blue, and GreenLight got the color correct, but I've never seen an example of an Air Police postal DJ.
The model is in fact based on David Delight's restoration of an M38A1 as a 1950s Air Police Jeep
(see also a rear view, 130K JPEG.)
GreenLight seems happy to satisfy the demand for lots of Jeep variations by using their Dispatcher 100 casting to represent anything with a hardtop, even the famous orange pharmacy DJ-3A (see GreenLight Dispatcher 100 on CJ3B.info.)
Hot Pursuit Series 35 includes this 1969 Jeepster Commando marked for the City of Toledo Police Department. This and all the other 1/64 vehicles in Series 35 (190K JPEG) represent new or revised castings rather than just paint changes, and this one is a beauty. The Jeep badges on the front and rear (50K JPEGs) are very detailed for 1/64, and the hardtop is removable (50K JPEG). Thanks to Autumn Pillars for the photos.
The model is based on a handful of photos showing that the Toledo Police had at least one Kaiser-era Jeepster; this 1969 Commando served as Traffic Control Unit 95.
Looking for a Jeep toy for a child or grandchild? In a much larger 1/16 scale (and also a higher price range at about US$50) this JK Unlimited is one of the increasingly rare toys manufactured by a family firm. It's from Bruder Toys in Germany, whose plastic toys are known for combining realism and durability. The Jeep has opening doors and removable roof, and comes with an articulated figure.
This nice item is also available in a fire service version (see More Fire Jeep Toys.)
A really big one: this police version of a Power Wheels ride-on toy was custom-built by Rich Amore in Roseville, Michigan. Rich describes the project: "When I changed it to the Police Jeep, I added working flashing lights, a working siren, a 2" lift kit, and replaced the stock electrical system to accomodate a motorcycle battery." See his previous camo version (30K JPEG).
See also more Power Wheels Jeeps on CJ3B.info.
This Tuff Ones plastic Transit Police Jeep has a similar look (but it's a lot smaller.)
Here's a collection of small diecast Police Jeeps in approximately 1:54 scale, made in China.
See a larger photo of the Road Champs Coyote Sheriff CJ (20K JPEG) seen in the center of the photo.
Slightly larger in size is this recent made-in-China Jeep with battery-operated flasher and siren, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) long overall. It also comes in a fire department version (70K JPEG).
Similar in design is the Stomper Sheriff CJ (right).
This is a Road Steel Jeep, a newer China-made clone of the Japanese Buddy L tin Jeep.
Thanks to David Delight, Mike Albright, Juan Manuel Yeste Cortes, Roly Hermans, J-C Guerry and Peter Wörthmüller. -- Derek Redmond
See also Police Service Toy Cherokees, some Military Police Jeep Toys and other Emergency Services Jeep Toys.
Also on CJ3B.info, see full size Police Service Jeeps.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages on CJ3B.info.
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