Ford Motor Company is once again innovating in the realm of law enforcement technology with a newly published patent that could revolutionize how police support community safety. The patent, published on July 22, 2025, outlines a system called a “guided home security inspection policing service” that may be used in future Ford police vehicles. This smart system aims to enhance routine safety checks of homes and businesses while their owners are away—often referred to as “vacation checks.”

This forward-thinking concept allows Ford police vehicles to support officers during these property inspections by guiding them through a digital checklist. Using a combination of onboard systems and the officer’s body camera, the technology would prompt inspections for signs of forced entry, vandalism, or even something as simple as an unlocked door or window. By systematizing these procedures, Ford’s patent aims to make home checks more thorough and efficient.

Unlike the high-tech pursuit or surveillance systems Ford has previously explored in patents, this one focuses on preventative policing and community trust. The idea is to support officers in proactive efforts to keep neighbourhoods safe when residents are away for extended periods—such as during vacations or holidays. It’s a refreshing take on how vehicle-based technology can support positive, community-focused policing.

While the system is still in the patent stage, and there’s no confirmation it will reach production, it reflects Ford’s commitment to developing innovative tools that enhance public safety and strengthen ties between law enforcement and local communities. As always, Ford emphasizes that its patent applications are designed to protect innovative ideas that may or may not appear in future products.