Sergeant James Post
TRANSPORTATION 2020
Welcome to our transportation issue for 2020, our annual review of everything which is new in LE vehicles and equipment for the coming year as seen at national events like the IACP Conference, Police Security Expo, Police Fleet Expo, and the Michigan State Police (MSP) vehicle tests. You’ve often heard that “hindsight is 20/20,” well, we’re here to prove that foresight is also 20/20, as we give you a huge jump start on building your next fleet.
Our preview will be presented in the following order: First, the results of the Michigan State Police 2020 vehicle tests, followed by a review of 2020 Model Year sedans and SUVs from the “Big Three.” The next section will cover the MSP motorcycle tests and descriptions of those motorcycles. Next, you’ll find a review of emergency lighting and sirens, followed by consoles, bumpers, partitions, and storage solutions and we’ll conclude with a look at a variety of other LE equipment.
2020 MSP TESTS AND VEHICLE REVIEW
On September 14, 2019, the MSP put 13 LE vehicles to the test: five sedans, seven SUVs and one pickup. The vehicles were tested for acceleration, top speed and braking at the Chrysler Proving Grounds, Chelsea, MI.
Sedan Acceleration, Top Speed and Braking
For your convenience, we’ve combined the sedan results here and the SUV results will follow.
The five sedans presented for evaluation were four Dodge Chargers including two 3.6L V-6 and two 5.7L V-8 models (one each in RWD and AWD). The fifth sedan tested was the Ford Responder® Hybrid Sedan. In all reality, this was a competition between the four Chargers, as the Ford Responder Hybrid is not considered a pursuit vehicle.
Acceleration is recorded in speeds of 0-20 mph through 0-100 in ten mph increments and the top speed is recorded as well. For the purposes of our analysis, we look at top speeds and the 0-60 mph times, as that is a fair representation of the speed needed to overtake a violator from a standing start to freeway speeds and, of course, the top speed indicates whether you’ll catch them or not.
The fastest sedan (at 150 mph) was the Charger 5.7L HEMI® V-8 in AWD. It was also the fastest from 0-60 at 5.81 seconds. Second was the RWD V-8 at 149 mph and 0-60 in 6.06 seconds, and third was the 3.6 V-6 AWD at 143 mph and 0-60 in 7.23 seconds.
This year, the distances required to reach 100 mph and 120 mph were recorded (in feet) and the RWD HEMI recorded the shortest distances in both with 1254.62 feet (100 mph) and 2429.38 feet (120 mph).
The Ford Responder Hybrid Sedan had a respectable showing with a top speed of 119.8 mph which was actually faster than both Dodge Durangos tested, but it did take the longest distance (2787.31) to reach 100 mph, and its 0-60 mph time was the slowest of every vehicle tested at 9.06 seconds.
Vehicle braking is determined by an average of two 60-0 mph stops and is recorded in feet. Obviously, the shortest distance registered is the best. Over the years, we’ve seen drastic improvements in braking with two- and, then, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and AWD – all of which make the streets safer for our officers and citizens alike.
Of the five sedans tested, the Ford Responder’s stopping distance was the best of the sedans…and, actually, the best of ALL vehicles tested with a distance of 126.6 feet! The two V-6 Chargers followed with 127.2 feet (AWD) and 127.3 feet (RWD) with the two V-8s slightly over an inch apart at 128.4 and 129 feet.
SUV Acceleration, Top Speed and Braking
Following what is becoming a North America buying trend, most of the vehicles in this test were SUVs (a total of seven): two Chevrolet Tahoes, two Dodge Durangos and three Ford Police Interceptor® Utilities.
The Ford Interceptors tested were all in (standard) AWD configuration – the new Hybrid, the 3.0L EcoBoost® and the base 3.3L edition. The EcoBoost was the fastest SUV tested, matching the Charger’s top speed of 150 mph and it also posted the fastest 0-60 time (5.43 seconds), 0-100 mph (13.99 seconds), plus the shortest distances to reach 100 mph (1308.88 feet) and 120 mph (2607.87 feet).
Two versions of the Chevy Tahoe were tested, both with the venerable 5.3L V-8 – a RWD and a 4WD. Of the pair, the RWD was somewhat faster with a top speed of 134 mph versus 122.1 mph and a 0-60 time of 7.81 seconds versus 7.94 seconds. The AWD also took less real estate than the 4WD to reach 100 mph (76.99 feet) and 120 mph (243.96 feet).
The Dodge Durangos were the slowest in acceleration and top speed of all the SUVs. The two tested were both AWD units – a 3.6L V-6 and the 5.7L V-8. Of the pair, the V-8 was one mile per hour faster at 118 mph versus 117 mph and both vehicles’ 0-60 times were slower than the Tahoes (7.44 and 8.59 seconds) and their distance required to reach 100 mph was further as well (1969.72 and 2162.17 feet).
However, in the brake tests, the Mopar® Durangos did improve; in fact, the HEMI posted the shortest stopping distance of all the SUVs tested at 129.2 feet. Second-best was the Hybrid Interceptor at 130.1 feet and the EcoBoost Utility (at 130.3 feet) was third. The Durango six tied with the Ford 3.5L at 131.5 feet. The heavier Tahoes required more than ten feet (each) to stop (142.5 and 144.9 feet).
THE 2020 VEHICLE LINEUP
CHEVROLET
For the first time in recent memory, Chevrolet has only one true police car for sale – the Tahoe PPV. Long gone are the great name plates, like Caprice and Camaro, and now the Impala has been added to that list. “But, wait,” the GM brass would argue, “we have several more, like the Silverado Special Service, the Malibu, the Traverse, the Bolt, and the Express Van.” Sure, the GM Fleet brochures show these vehicles with “Police” decals, but what we report on is what MSP tested – the Tahoe, one of American departments’ favorite SUVs.
The Tahoe comes in two flavors (both with the 5.3L V-8) – the RWD Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) and the 4WD Special Service Vehicle (SSV). Only the PPV is pursuit-rated, but the majority of the Tahoe specs and data are identical as both are considered “carryover” models. The SSV boasts a higher ground clearance (10.7″) and an Off-Road Suspension Package, but both share common safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Assist and Lane Departure Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Hill Start Assist, Rear Park Assist, rear cameras, and a skid plate package. The Tahoe is available in 13 colors. Although the Tahoes have a higher MSRP than the Ford and Dodge competition, their durability and five year/100K warranty keeps their resale prices high and the demand strong.
The Silverado truck also carries the SSV designation, but is not pursuit-rated. It is only available in a Crew Cab model, but in either RWD or 4WD configurations. The Express Transport Van is available as a windowed passenger van or a closed cargo van which is suitable for conversion into secure prisoner transport.
FCA US LLC
Dodge offers two pursuit-rated choices (in six configurations) for 2020, the Charger Pursuit and the Durango Pursuit. The Charger is available with either a Pentastar® 3.6L 292 hp V-6 or the popular HEMI 5.7L 370 hp V-8. Both versions were originally offered in RWD only, then AWD was offered in the V-6 and now AWD is available with both engines. The HEMI AWD is the segment’s most technologically advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and performance. The 2020 Charger features FCA’s exclusive (no extra cost) Officer Protection Package in which a camera and sensors detect movement at the rear of the vehicle and automatically send an image to the Uconnect® touch screen which can be programmed to activate warning chimes, flash taillights and reverse lights, roll up windows, and lock all doors.
Other Charger standard features and options for 2020 include ballistic door panels for driver and passenger doors; programmable steering wheel controls which can operate aftermarket emergency equipment; and load-leveling Nivomat® shock absorbers. Everything is covered by a three year/36K mile warranty. Chargers are available in 18 colors with great names like Destroyer Gray, Maximum Steel Police Blue, Sheriff’s Tan, and White Knuckle.
The Durango Pursuit was first tested last year by MSP and the improved 2020 model is the result. It is available with either the 3.6L V-6 or the 5.7L V-8 and both are AWD. It differs in appearance from the civilian Durango with brake cooling air ducts in the front fascia, but shares Charger’s popular “racetrack” design taillights. It is equipped with Nivomat load-leveling shocks, police grade brakes, front and rear stabilizers, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), best in class towing capacity (7,200 lbs.), ParkView® rear camera with ParkSense and the interior is K-9 friendly with a tri-zone interior temperature control.
Dodge’s cousin division, Ram, offers the Ram 1500 Special Service (SS) truck powered by the 5.7L HEMI backed with a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4WD with an electric shift transfer case. It boasts a towing capacity of 10,170 lbs. and offers the exclusive Ram Boxes, twin locking built-in cargo bins in the bed sides. Other features include the ParkView Rear Camera, All Speed Traction Control and Electric Stability Control. The Ram SS is not pursuit-rated.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
(fleet.ford.com)
The new 2020 Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid has been eagerly anticipated and the results live up to the expectations. It joins the other two PI Utilities and all three are AWD. The Hybrid is powered by a 3.7L liter gas engine and lithium-ion battery and has a projected 41% fuel savings over last year’s gasoline model. In addition, the Utility Hybrid platform was specifically designed around the battery so cargo space is not sacrificed and, actually, cargo space in the 2020 Utility has increased.
The other PI Utilities offer either the standard 3.3L V-6 or the gutsy 3.0L EcoBoost which tied with the HEMI Charger Pursuit for top speed. The Utilities share several exclusive features, such as Ford’s Police Perimeter Alert which monitors a 270 degree area around the vehicle’s rear to detect movement. When motion is detected, the system automatically activates the rear camera and an audible alarm, rolls up the windows and locks the doors. Other PI features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Braking and Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Warning. Ford is renowned for their rigorous accident testing, dating back to the Crown Victoria rear end fires decades ago. At that time, Ford increased their standards to well beyond what was required for a rear end crash survivability – a 75 mph impact. But, they did not stop there, as the Utility is also tested for an eight inch curbing impact, median crossings and a 30 mph railroad track crossing, aka a “Dukes of Hazzard” jump. For high water rescue, the Utilities have been successfully tested for operation in 18 inches of water at 15 mph and ten inches at 40 mph. The PI Utilities are available in 17 colors.
Ford’s other LE applications include the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan which can provide noticeable fuel savings over traditional police sedans of the past. It is estimated that, with a full charge, it can cover 25 miles before the hybrid gas/electric system takes over.
The F-150 Police Responder pickup is a SuperCrew Cab model powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost 375 hp V-6 in full-time 4WD. Its 6.9 second 0-60 mph was actually better than both Durangos and its top speed was a respectable 106 mph. Of the three LE pickups, it is the only pursuit-rated model. It has a towing capacity of 7000 pounds and boasts the best payload capacity of the competition (2030 lbs.). It has the most interior passenger volume of any pursuit-rated vehicle. A non-pursuit F-150 Special Service Vehicle is also offered.
Other Ford LE vehicles include the Expedition; the Expedition MAX Special Service Vehicle; and the new Transit Prisoner Transport, an AWD van.
MOTORCYCLE ACCELERATION, TOP SPEED AND BRAKING
The Michigan State Police were given six police motorcycles for evaluation. There were three BMW Authority solos – an RT-P (1250 CC), a GS-P (750 CC) and a GS-P (850 CC). Harley-Davidson® brought two, both with their Milwaukee-Eight® 114 (1868cc) – an Electra Glide® FLHTP and a Road King® FLHP. The sixth competitor was a Yamaha FJR P-AB (1300cc). The brake tests were conducted at the MSP Precision Driving Unit track on September 13 and the acceleration and top speed tests were conducted at the Chrysler Proving Grounds on September 14.
Hands down, the fastest motorcycle was the Yamaha at 147 mph, ten miles faster than the BMW 1250 at 137 mph. The Yamaha was also fastest at 0-60 mph at 3.67 seconds. The Yamaha also hit 100 and 120 mph in the shortest distance (708.79 feet and 1454.86 feet). The 1250 BMW was second best here, too. Third place top speed went to the BMW 850 GS-P at 120.1 mph, while the two Harley-Davidson police bikes posted the slowest top speeds (108.3 and 109.2 mph) and the slowest 0-60 and 0-100 times, too.
The best braking performance winner was the BMW RT-P at 127.3 feet, followed by the BMW 850 GS-P (131.8 feet) and the BMW 750 GS-P (132.9 feet). The two Harleys followed with distances of 138 and 138.9 feet and the worst stopping distance was recorded by the Yamaha at 143.8 feet, a full 16½ feet further than the best braking BMW! That’s more than the widest American crosswalk and it should be a concern.
THE 2020 POLICE MOTORCYCLE REVIEW
BMW
BMW Motorrad USA are represented by three models – the R 1250 RT-P, the F 750 GS-P and F 850 GS-P. In the marketplace for nearly 30 years, BMW solos are being used by more than 550 American agencies, including three of the largest which are all located on the West coast – the CHP, LAPD and LA County SD. Equipped with three different size engines, BMW offers motors for every application.
The BMW flagship, the R 1250 RT-P, features the 1250cc Boxer engine with Shift Cam Technology (SCT) which offers more effective combustion and the new toothed camshaft drive chain provides an optimized oil supply over a roller chain.
The F 850 GS-P safety features include an ergonomic ride comfort and both GS-Ps are equally capable on streets, highways and off-road and offer a variety of LE accessories.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson offers two popular pursuit-rated motorcycles: the FLHTP Electra Glide and the FLHP Road King. Both are powered by the Milwaukee-Eight114 CI 1868cc V-Twins and feature H-D’s new Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS), designed to aid the rider when accelerating and braking in a straight line or when turning. The system is standard on the 2020 models and prevents the wheels from locking up when braking and is most helpful when riding in adverse road conditions and in urgent situations.
A key feature of RDRS includes Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB) which provides more responsiveness and more front and rear braking under a wide variety of situations. Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variation of ABS which takes into consideration the lean angle of a two-wheel motorcycle and is designed to help the rider maintain control when braking. Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) was designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration when going straight or cornering and is switchable between Standard and Rain modes. Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) applies and holds brake pressure and prevents the motorcycle from rolling when stopped at a stop sign, on a hill or in stop-and-go traffic.
Yamaha
Yamaha’s FJR1300P is a police version of their popular FJR1300 Sport Touring Motorcycle and has proven to be a fast and nimble option to the heavier police bikes. The 1298cc, DOHC, 16 valve, liquid cooled, inline four-cylinder engine is coupled to a six-speed transmission. It features standard traction control, cruise control, LED lighting, adjustable seat height and handlebar positions, and a push-button controlled adjustable windshield. Yamaha is currently working with a group of vendors to develop exclusive LE equipment options.
EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIRENS
Lights and sirens are the bread and butter of police work. All the high-tech goodies we’ll cover later are important, of course, but lights, sirens and radios are still the most important equipment in our vehicles and, without them, they’re as worthless as a rowboat without oars, Superman without his cape, or Hollywood starlets without silicone. Following, you’ll find new innovations in lighting and sirens from the leading manufacturers listed in alphabetical order.
Code 3®, Inc.
Code 3 has announced a significant upgrade to a popular exterior light. The HD4PAK has evolved into the MICROPAK Hide-a-Blast™ exterior light. The housing unit which contains the controls and components has been condensed and moved directly behind the lighthead providing the compact design. Despite the low profile, the MICROPAK contains six LED heads and offers 26 single color and 69 dual color flash patterns. It can be mounted on virtually any vehicle surface.
Federal Signal
Federal Signal has introduced their new Pathfinder Siren and Light Controller which features a 100/200 watt siren, light controller and noise-cancelling microphone. There are two models, the PF200 and PF200R, and both feature a four position slide switch and seven position rotary switch and offer either face mounted or hand-held controllers, all in a compact 6″ x 2.5″ size.
SoundOff Signal®
SoundOff Signal continues to improve their popular nFORCE® series of lightbars, with the newest 2.0 version which will be available February 2020. The new 2.0 will feature increased light output and symmetrical design with a lower profile flat top. These lightbars are available in popular lengths of 36″ to 72″, with 21 warning patterns, five takedown patterns and five alley light options. Also new is their nFUSE Lightbar which will be available in the winter of 2020. The nFUSE will combine nFORCE Lightbar LED technology with a Magnum Lightbar-style cover and features high output dual color lighting and enhanced control technology.
If that weren’t enough, SoundOff also has brand-new 4×2, 7×3, and 6×4 Perimeter Lights. The 4×2 lights are currently available and the 7×3 and 6×4 units will be ready to go in early 2020. Available in the mpower® line with a choice of silicone lenses or polycarbonate lenses, these new lights feature warning, stop-tail-turn, or reverse functionality.
Also new from SoundOff Signal is the bluePRINT Sync® which unifies the lighting functions of an entire fleet of emergency vehicles and equipment. It is an add-on component for the bluePRINT 3 System and it provides true warning system coordination between vehicles (with no subscription fees). Sync-equipped emergency vehicles will automatically flash in perfect timing when using the same pattern which reduces the distractions and confusion of multiple, random flashing lights. It allows approaching drivers to better judge the emergency vehicle’s status.
Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
Whelen Engineering has introduced the Arges™ remote spotlight which features a collision-safe control head which eliminates the need for an internal handle. With a small footprint, it reduces blind spots while driving and, with a full 360o rotation and 180o tilt range, 1800 lumens and 130,000 candle power, it’s as close to daylight as possible. It also switches from spotlight to floodlight with no moving parts.
Their CenCom Core™ is a completely redesigned control system powered by WeCanX™, a CAN-based communications system created to enhance officer safety with advanced automation and remote connectivity. It is the most powerful CAN-based communication system in the industry today and connects lightbars, sirens, control heads, siren amplifiers, and input and output expansion modules. CenCom Core with patent-pending Dynamic Variable Intensity (DVI™) patterns is an innovative series of flash patterns designed to create an advanced level of safety in nighttime situations.
Whelen’s Cloud Platform™ offers a multitude of capabilities. Using the Vehicle Safety Gateway™ (VSG™), it helps first responders make life-saving decisions through telemetric and GPS-based data, while the Cloud Live Map provides real-time information to accurately pinpoint vehicle locations, creating faster response times and advanced situational awareness. You can automatically synchronize lights and siren tones on vehicles in close proximity to each other which enhances officer and motorist safety.
CONSOLES, BUMPERS, PARTITIONS, AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Go Rhino! Products
Go Rhino! is geared up for the new 2020 PI Utility, offering three styles of push bumpers and numerous prisoner compartment components, including front and rear partitions, molded seats and rear door and rear window bars. For the 2018-2019 F-150 Responders, they offer steel or aluminum push bumpers, partitions and guards for the rear doors and rear windows.
Havis, Inc.
Havis builds consoles, computer mounts, docking stations, and prisoner and K9 units for the most popular police vehicles. They are geared up with new equipment for the 2020 Ford Interceptor Utility, such as the 24 inch Flat and the 22 inch Angled consoles; a premium and a lightweight dash monitor mount; an assortment of pedestal mount options; and a wide range of cargo storage solutions, including multiple trunk trays and a brand-new suite of modular storage solutions.
The Havis K9 transport solutions for the 2020 Interceptor Utility come with several options to keep your K9 partners safe. They offer modular systems for one or two dogs and a combination K9-Prisoner Transport solution. This next generation of K9 transport units feature an improved front slider door which eliminates rattle; window guards and door panels which maximize occupant safety; and provisions for a number of optional upgrades like divider doors, fan kits and remote door opener systems.
Jotto Desk
Jotto Desk was one of the first up-fit equipment manufacturers to design, build and stock components for the 2020 PI Utility. Calling themselves the “Total Solutions Provider” (TSP), Jotto lives up to that claim for the Utility, with true “one-stop” shopping. First, you’ll find their exclusive Contour Console which looks like it was installed by FOMOCO as it blends smoothly into the PI dash and relocates factory HVAC controls, parking brake, USB and 12-volt outlets (into their console), while still providing 20 inches of faceplate mounting. Three different computer mounts have been designed for the 2020 PIU which are designed to not only work with the A-MOD Desktops for laptops, but also with the various tablets being utilized. All mounts are designed to be a no holes installation – requiring no modification to the vehicle.
Mounts for Jotto’s ZRT Gun Racks with SmartLok Technology are ready for the new Utility, too, and their Space Creator Partitions have been designed to prevent prisoners from sliding through an unsecured window. The all-new 2020 PI Utility Single Cell includes a traditional front divider, new center divider, passenger side window armor, door control covers, ABS seat cover and a rear cargo barrier which provides rear cargo protection and also protects prisoners in a crash. Additional cargo protection is offered with the rear Secure Grid Window Armor.
Lund Industries, Inc.
Lund Industries has announced a new addition to their popular LOFT product line to solve the problem of placing aftermarket electronics in the new 2020 Utility. The LOFT PIU20-EC Electronic Storage Model utilizes the unused space near the headliner in the cargo area and does not impact rear visibility. Other LOFT models for the Ford 2020 PIU will accommodate a single patrol rifle, dual rifle (including an auto-opening feature) and rescue gear, as well as the electronics unit.
OPS Public Safety
OPS Public Safety builds storage solutions and slides for LE trucks and their MAXX Slide Series offers designs for specific assignments, such as the SWAT Package, CVE Package, and Accident Reconstruction Package. Their new pickup drawer is called the Truck Box which comes in four different sizes. Its resilient aluminum design allows it to hold up to 450 lbs. of gear at full extension and 750 pounds on top of the drawer. Also new is their Combo Radio Drawer for the Ford PI Utility. This unit is designed to safely separate your weapons from your equipment by providing a long storage compartment on the driver side and two stacked drawers. In addition, the bottom drawer includes perforations on the front, back and bottom to prevent your radio equipment from overheating.
Setina Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Setina is one of the oldest names in police vehicle equipment and they are celebrating their 56th year. They are proud to offer a total transportation solution for the 2020 PI Utility. From front to rear – their exclusive Bodyguard LED Lighted Push Bumpers to the Trunk Tray Storage Systems – they have you covered, but their innovation doesn’t stop there. Equipment for the new PI Utility also include XL Partitions, Window Barriers and Door (panel) Guards, Free Standing or Partition Mounted Weapon Systems, and SmartBelt Electronic Seat Belts. They also offer both molded cover-style seats and replacement prisoner transport seats.
New offerings from Setina aren’t limited to just the new Ford Utility. Dubbed the “Single Prisoner Transport ‘MAX,’ ” this new offering provides single prisoner transport and maximum interior storage for the Ford F-150. Features include a single prisoner transport polycarbonate partition and a heavy-duty pull-out cargo drawer system with an integrated radio and electronics storage bay. The rear driver side, lower storage deck comes with a heavy-duty rubber protective mat and tie-downs, and is available with an optional upper secure storage deck for optimal storage possibilities.
Also new for the PI Utility is Setina’s Easy-Lift Cargo Deck II which functions as a rear compartment cargo, radio and electronics storage system. This new unit replaces your vehicle’s factory rear compartment deck and provides a secure location for lower deck radio, electronics and cargo storage, along with providing easy access to your spare tire. Its modular design allows for the addition of Setina’s new two drawer cargo storage system and command center. This new storage system is constructed of heavy-duty, aircraft grade aluminum and features dual locking drawers and high capacity steel lock-in, lock-out slide rails. The command center includes a sliding whiteboard, laptop platform, multiple radios, USB ports, and cup holders.
TruckVault, Inc.
TruckVault builds storage units for LE pickup trucks and SUVs. One of their most popular designs in their Commander Line is the Investigator which combines a traditional two drawer system with an additional weapons drawer on top. It fits the various LE SUVs. Their Elevated 1 Drawer model uses one of their secure in-vehicle storage solutions atop rugged steel brackets which allow easy access to the SUV’s spares.
The unique SeatVault provides secure, fully concealable under seat storage for the LE Chevy and Ford pickups. They fit under the rear seat and are finished in OEM carpet colors to match your truck’s interior.
Tufloc®
Tufloc recently announced two new products. The X-Lock Gun Racks give officers quick, one-handed access to their guns. The patent pending design features stainless steel, ratcheting locking arms which automatically adjust to a secure fit for most weapons and the low-profile lock allows for aftermarket gun accessories.
The new TufBox Locking Drawer System for the 2020 PI Utility provides plenty of room to secure guns and equipment and the new base raises the TufBox off the floor to access the spare tire.
Westin Public Safety Division
Westin Public Safety’s equipment includes their Elite XD push bumpers for the LE pickups from Ram, Ford and Chevrolet with optional wing wraps and winches. For PIT maneuvers with the Utility, Charger and LE trucks, they offer the Push Bar Elite.
Westin has added two new prisoner partitions for the Tahoe and PI Utility. The Defender Front Partition is also new for the Charger and its unique design provides 20% more viewing area than the competition and boasts the fastest install in the industry. All exposed hardware in the prisoner area is tamperproof. The Defender Rear Partition for the Tahoe and Utility works with or without an optional electronics box and/or a poly window and mounts directly to OEM bolts and conforms to the headliner. The partitions can be mated to Westin’s ABS Prisoner Seats, Door Cover Panels and Window Guards. Their partitions are backed by a three year warranty.
OTHER LE EQUIPMENT
This is all the other stuff which doesn’t fit into the other categories and that you didn’t think you need, but, once you read about it, you just gotta have it.
COBAN Technologies, Inc.
COBAN’s FOCUS™ H1 in-car video system enhances officers’ safety and efficiency with exclusive vehicle intelligence which continually records to the internal drive while storing event-based videos on the removable drive. It also offers a higher resolution and reduced stress on the agencies’ network.
Goodyear® Tires
Goodyear Tires have been around almost as long as there have been police cars, but did you know that their Goodyear Enforcer Family has three different models from which to choose? The Eagle® Enforcer is the standard duty tire and it features a pursuit calibrated tread compound for intense operating conditions on wet, dry and slushy surfaces. The Eagle Enforcer All Weather™ tire is equipped to handle adversity as the Active Response Technology combines pursuit ready and winter tread compound zones for enhanced grip on various road surfaces. The Eagle Enforcer Winter is made to work well in harsh winter conditions. It features V-TRED Technology which helps evacuate water, winter slush and snow from the contact patch.
Hardwire, LLC
New from Hardwire is their 2020 Interceptor Utility armor kit. They are now offering kits in Level IIIA (preferred by most departments/agencies), Level III, and Level III+. Hardwire’s Vehicle Armor products are a solution for adding ballistic protection to a police vehicle without major vehicle modifications. Hardwire’s car door armor quickly attaches to a vehicle’s exterior and their Transparent Armor Window Insert fits into existing vehicle window openings. The window insert and vehicle door armor provide protection against handguns and shotguns (NIJ IIIA) or rifles (NIJ Level III).
John Deere
Yep, you read that right…John Deere has entered the public safety arena with a new line of Special Application Vehicles built on the proven John Deere Utility Vehicle chassis. They can be customized to match other fleet vehicles and are available in four primary colors, NOT just John Deere Green!
Pro-gard™ Products, LLC
Pro-gard Products’ newest addition to their ever expanding lineup is the Easy-Mic Magnetic Microphone Adapter. How many zillion holes have been drilled in police car dashes just to hang a radio microphone? Add to that number motorcycles and paddy wagons and the numbers are staggering. Well, Pro-gard has come up with one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” solutions, their Easy-Mic, a universal magnetic adapter which easily attaches the mic to a permanent base and is guaranteed to fit most handheld microphones. The base can be mounted virtually anywhere inside the vehicle.
SoundOff Signal
SoundOff will have their new 500 Series Siren available in the spring of 2020. This new 200 watt siren features built-in bluePRINT programmability, as well as dual-tone capability to deliver two siren tones at once. This provides officers with extreme “traffic moving” capability and the new 500 Series also delivers improved diagnostic capabilities.
Thanks for Your Input!
We hope our review will assist you in making the critical fleet decisions facing you in 2020.
Sergeant James Post appreciates your comments and suggestions for future articles. He can be reached at kopkars@arkansas.net.