Ford F-150 pickups are now available with a Special Service Vehicle (SSV) package aimed at government, municipal and commercial fleets, the company announced.

The no-charge package will include a high-output alternator and a front seat modified to leave space for mounting of weapons and radio gear.

"Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks," said Ford's government sales manager, Tony Gratson. "We're confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols."

The SSV package is available for 2012 SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, 4x2 and 4x4 models, and a choice of 5-liter V-8 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engines. The package will also be a no-cost option on 2013-model F-150s due out this fall.

The SSV's alternator can produce 220 amperes to support extra electrical needs, Gratson said. Its interior is designed for driver comfort, maximum adaptability for aftermarket upfit of task-specific accessories, and second-row seat durability.

The SSV package takes a 40/20/40 bench seat and omits the center 20% to maximize space for aftermarket equipment such as law enforcement communications and firearm mounts. The center console is also omitted, creating even more space.

Individual driver and first-row passenger seating surfaces are upholstered in comfortable and easily cleaned cloth. The three-across, full-width second-row seat is covered in durable vinyl, ideal for transporting prisoners or work crews.

Government and commercial fleets can specify heavy-duty tires, 4x4 skid plates and interior convenience items. Gratson said the 360-horsepower V-8 and 365-horsepower turbocharged V-6 are standard with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.