Although the Escort Mk3 formed the backbone of many Police force’s unit beat and unmarked fleets, very few used the high performance XR3i version. However, Dorset Police have a long history of using high performance cars in the urban traffic patrol role, a tradition they have continued to this day, currently employing the XR3i’s spiritual son, the Focus ST.
Many forces reduce the cost of their vehicles by deleting expensive components such as alloy wheels when ordering performance cars, however all the XR3is used by Dorset Police featured the model’s signature ‘telephone dial’ alloy wheels and rear spoiler.