Ford CEO Jim Hackett is defending the automaker's decision to make and sell Police Interceptor vehicles following concerns from the company's employees, according to a report by Jalopnik.
In an internal memo to employees obtained by the outlet, Hackett reportedly stressed that both he and chairman Bill Ford "believe deeply that there is no room for the systemic repression and racism that have been exhibited by law enforcement encounters gone wrong."
"We’ve said clearly that Black Lives Matter and I am personally driving a review of our Diversity and Inclusion rituals, practices and behaviors," he said. "We do believe strongly that more transparency and accountability is required in police operations."
He added that recent protests sparked by the death of George Floyd have brought "a very intensive and necessary spotlight on police training and reform."
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However, he reportedly believes it is "not controversial that the Ford Police Interceptor helps officers do their job."
"The issues plaguing police credibility have nothing to do with the vehicles they’re driving. In fact, as we imagine the future power of our connected vehicles, smarter Ford vehicles can be used to not only improve officers’ ability to protect and serve, but also provide data that can make police safer and more accountable," Hackett said. "Just think, dating back to the Model T, Ford has more than 100 years in serving first responders and that leadership over the decades has been earned by co-developing our purpose-built vehicles and technologies with police and emergency agencies to make our vehicles the number one choice."
Hackett argued that putting an end to law enforcement use of Police Interceptors would "be doing harm to [police officers'] safety and making it harder for them to do their job."
"I believe these unfortunate circumstances present Ford with an even greater opportunity to not only innovate new solutions but also leverage our unique position to support the dialogue and reform needed to create safer communities for all," Hackett said.
As a result, Hackett said Ford would "continue to be a powerful voice for Black Lives Matter, holding ourselves accountable for significant change, while also continuing to help keep communities safe by producing Police Interceptors and partnering with law enforcement in new ways to strongly support the safety for all members of society."