Do Police Cars Have Backseat Door Handles?

Generally, no—marked patrol cars used to transport detainees do not have functional rear interior door handles; they are typically removed or mechanically/electronically disabled. Some police vehicles that aren’t used for prisoner transport—such as many unmarked detective or administrative units—may retain normal rear handles, often controlled by child-safety locks. Here’s how departments configure rear doors across different vehicle types and why those choices are made.

What Most Patrol Cars Have

In standard, marked patrol vehicles built or upfitted for prisoner transport, rear doors are designed not to open from the inside. This is a common feature across modern police-package models (e.g., Ford Police Interceptor, Chevy Tahoe PPV, Dodge Charger Pursuit) and is complemented by other rear-compartment security measures.

The typical features you’ll find in the rear of these vehicles include:

• Inoperable rear interior door handles (removed, capped, or disconnected).
• Rear windows locked out from the backseat, often fixed or only officer-controlled.
• A hard partition between the front and rear compartments, usually metal or polycarbonate.
• Easy-to-clean vinyl or molded rear seats and door panels to reduce tampering and concealment risks.

Together, these elements are intended to prevent escape, reduce tampering, and increase officer safety during transport, while keeping exterior handles fully functional for officers and first responders.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Not every police-operated vehicle is configured the same way. Rear interior handles may exist or be functional in vehicles that don’t regularly carry detainees.

Common exceptions include:

• Unmarked detective/administrative cars: Often retain normal rear handles, controlled via child locks when needed.
• K-9 units: Rear area is dedicated to the dog; rear interior handles are typically absent or disabled, and systems may include a “door pop” to deploy the K-9 from outside.
• Community outreach or training vehicles: May keep standard interiors when detainee transport isn’t part of the mission.
• Prisoner transport vans: Purpose-built with secure compartments; interior handles are not available to detainees.

These variations reflect the vehicle’s assignment: if a unit is never meant to carry arrestees, it’s more likely to retain standard rear-door functionality for routine passengers.

Why Handles Are Disabled

Police agencies prioritize safety, security, and durability in prisoner-transport configurations. Disabling rear interior handles is one of several measures that support those goals.

Key reasons include:

• Escape prevention: Eliminates an obvious exit point for detainees in custody.
• Officer safety and weapon retention: Reduces opportunities for sudden attacks or access to equipment.
• Tamper resistance: Simplifies door panels to limit hiding places for contraband and reduce damage.
• Standardization: Factory “rear door lockout” features and fleet upfits streamline training and maintenance.

These measures are widely adopted because they are simple, effective, and consistent with transport policies across agencies.

Passenger Safety and Legal Considerations

While rear doors can’t be opened from the inside in most patrol cars, exterior handles remain functional so officers or rescuers can open the door quickly. Many agencies require detainees to be seat-belted and train officers on crash and fire evacuation procedures. Some vehicles may automatically unlock doors after an airbag deployment, but a disabled inside handle still prevents a detainee from opening the door without outside help, which is why response protocols are crucial.

How Officers Control Rear Doors and Windows

Rear door and window functions are typically managed from the front—either via factory switches, child-lock mechanisms, or vehicle programming. In police-package vehicles, the rear “lockout” is often integrated into the car’s electronics or achieved by physically disconnecting the handle linkage and installing tamper-resistant door panels.

Bottom Line

Most cop cars that carry detainees do not have working backseat door handles. Exceptions exist for vehicles that don’t transport prisoners, where rear handles may remain but can be controlled by child locks or officer-operated switches.

Summary

Marked patrol cars used for prisoner transport generally lack functional rear interior door handles; they’re removed or disabled as a standard safety measure, with rear windows locked out and partitions installed. Unmarked or administrative vehicles that don’t carry detainees may retain normal rear handles, often managed by child-safety locks. The configuration depends on the vehicle’s assignment and departmental policy, balancing security with operational needs.

What is it called when a car has no door handles?

Shaved doors are doors on an automobile that do not have handles on the outside of the vehicle, in order to maintain a smooth look. It was pioneered by customiser Harry Westergard in California. The modification may also increase security as there is no keyhole to pick or handle to grab.

How to tell if it’s an undercover cop car?

To identify an undercover cop car, look for subtle equipment like hidden blue lights, radio antennas, or a visible laptop or police scanner inside the vehicle. Other indicators include dark window tinting, non-standard or missing license plates, and unusually clean vehicles. Additionally, officers may drive with a constant speed, make abrupt lane changes, or closely follow another vehicle.
 
This video demonstrates how to spot an undercover cop car by looking for specific equipment: 46sCounty Office LawYouTube · Jan 15, 2025
Key Indicators to Look For

• Hidden Lights: Check for discreet blue or red lights, often located behind the grill, within the bumper, or on the side mirrors, with a specific flash pattern. 
• Antennas: Look for one or more antennas, sometimes a “hockey puck” style on the roof or trunk, indicating communication equipment. 
• Visible Equipment: Peek inside for equipment such as laptops, laptop stands, radar units, extra switches, or police scanners. 
• Window Tint: Unmarked and undercover vehicles often have dark window tinting, sometimes more significant than what’s seen on civilian cars. 
• License Plates: Pay attention to non-standard, or even missing, license plates, as many undercover vehicles won’t have standard-issue plates. 
• Push Bumpers: A push bumper or bull bar on the front grille can be a giveaway, especially on larger vehicles. 

Driving Behavior

• Constant Speed: Officers may maintain a steady, even speed, especially in heavy traffic. 
• Strategic Lane Changes: Be aware of quick, decisive lane changes or following a target vehicle closely. 
• Unusual Parking: Look for parking positions that are unusual for a civilian, such as a specific angle to the road. 

Other Subtle Clues

• Vehicle Condition: Opens in new tabUndercover vehicles are often well-maintained and unusually clean, even in bad weather. 
• Nondescript Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabBe wary of unusual vehicles, like a standard sedan with a low ride height and a heavy-looking interior. 

This video shows how undercover police officers may behave, which can be another way to identify them: 58sRandall ArsenaultYouTube · Apr 16, 2024

Are there handles in the back of a cop car?

The lack of handles is to keep whoever is being transported inside the vehicle until they can be removed in a controlled environment. The internal door handles are usually removed and replaced by a flat hard plastic wall. The windows in the rear often have metal vertical bars.

Which cars have hidden door handles?

Here six cars that work the hidden door handles into their designs.

• Honda HR-V.
• Nissan Juke.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E.
• Range Rover Velar.
• Lexus NX.
• Ford Ranger.