DEARBORN— Ford Motor Company debuted the first ever pursuit-rated pickup, which is expected to hit the road by next year.

The F-150 Police Responder adds off-road aptitude and more functions to Ford’s list of police vehicles.

According to Ford’s police brand marketing manager, Stephen Tyler, there’s a need all over the country for a larger and more competent police vehicle. U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sheriff’s departments, tribal police and other agencies told the company they needed off-road vehicles.

Tyler told the Detroit News that the F-150 didn’t need too much work to prepare it for police use, but it did go through some changes inside and out.

The new law enforcement vehicle is based off the F-150 FX4 off-road model and has that model’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and a 10-speed transmission. The engine generates 375-horsepower and 470 pound feet of rotation, which Ford claims to be higher than any pursuit-rated police vehicle.

It also has stronger brakes, an improved front-stabilizer bar, 18-inch wheels surrounded with all-terrain tires and underbody skid plates.

Ford also placed the shifter that was in the center console at the steering column to free up space for after-market accompaniments between the seats in the front. The seats are also improved to give officers more shoulder and hip room.

The vehicle also contains a high-output alternator for the electrical gear police have on hand.

The additions definitely increased the weight to the truck, but Ford said that doesn’t slow it down. In fact, the Police Responder can reach speeds of 100 mph, 5 mph slower than the foundation vehicle.