Police Force

“Police Force” is a pinball machine developed by Williams Electronics in 1989. Designed by Pat Lawlor and Python Anghelo, the game offers players an immersive experience themed around law enforcement, featuring arresting artwork, sound effects, and gameplay elements.

Williams Electronics, renowned for its innovative pinball designs, produced Police Force as part of its lineup in the late 1980s. The game was conceptualized by Pat Lawlor, known for his work on other iconic pinball titles, alongside Python Anghelo, a visionary artist and designer in the pinball industry. Their collaboration brought to life a game that combined Lawlor’s knack for engaging gameplay with Anghelo’s distinctive art style.

Upon its release, Police Force received positive reception for its engaging gameplay mechanics, immersive theme, and vibrant artwork. Players and collectors alike praised its challenging objectives and entertaining features, cementing its status as a beloved classic in the pinball community.

Police Force exists in its original form without any direct sequels or variants. However, it shares thematic elements with other pinball machines of its era, such as “Police Trainer” and “Cops ‘n’ Robbers,” which explore similar law enforcement themes.

While Police Force pinball machines are not exceedingly rare, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging due to its age. Estimates suggest that several thousand units were produced during its manufacturing run. The value of a Police Force machine can vary based on factors such as condition, functionality, and market demand, with well-maintained examples fetching prices ranging from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Police Force operates on standard pinball machine hardware, including a solid-state electronic system for scoring and gameplay functions. Key components include flippers, bumpers, targets, and a dot-matrix display for scoring and animations. Repair parts for Police Force, like most vintage pinball machines, can be sourced from specialized suppliers and online marketplaces, encompassing components such as coils, switches, circuit boards, and playfield plastics. A comprehensive repair kit for Police Force would include:

Flipper Assemblies (including coils, bats, and bushings)
Pop Bumper Kits (caps, bodies, skirts, and coils)
Slingshot Assemblies (rubbers, switches, and brackets)
Playfield Rubbers and Balls
Dot-Matrix Display Driver Boards
Flipper Button Switches and Contacts
Circuit Board Capacitors and Resistors
Playfield Plastics Set
Coil Sleeves and Springs
Maintaining a supply of these parts ensures that Police Force machines can be preserved and enjoyed for years to come, delighting both seasoned players and newcomers to the world of pinball.