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THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE

 TRANSPORTATION 2005

 By Sgt. James Post

 Welcome to Transportation 2005 and your one-stop source for all that’s new in the exciting world of law enforcement transportation and equipment. Our coverage, as in the past, will cover the static displays and presentations at the annual NAFA-LEG conference and the new police vehicle tests conducted yearly by the Michigan State Police. As an additional bonus, we will also detail the police community’s newest venue – the Police Fleet Expo, presented by the Hendon Publishing Company.

The 36th Annual NAFA-LEG Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 14 through 18. The Police Fleet Expo was held September 13 through 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was immediately followed by the MSP tests on September 18 and 20.

NAFA-LEG and the Police Fleet Expo were similar in most aspects. Both featured exhibition halls with all the new vehicles and equipment and they both hosted informational sessions with the “Big Three” auto manufacturers, as well as numerous other topics.

The NAFA-LEG Conference had 61 booths representing the majority of vendors in the law enforcement field. It was attended by nearly 300 police fleet representatives from throughout the U.S. and Canada. Seminar topics for LEG attendees ranged from dialogues with GM, Ford and Chrysler to topics as varied as accident management to building a Web site.

The new kid on the block, the Police Fleet Expo, hit the ground running. Located in the beautiful new Grand Rapids, Michigan, DeVos Convention Center, their exhibition hall was host to 60 vendors and the event was attended by some 325 fleet managers and representatives from 32 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. The Expo’s classroom sessions covered topics which ranged from take-home cars to graphics and question and answer sessions with police car manufacturers, too.

Both of these events featured “Ride and Drives,” where participants got to experience the new cruisers firsthand, with a behind the wheel tour on EVOC-type courses. The Expo added a different spin on their ride and drive, as attendees could also ride with seasoned instructors during high-speed maneuvers at Grattan Raceway.

Only MSP personnel drive police cars at their tests, however. Acceleration, top speed and brake testing competitions are held on the first day at the DaimlerChrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, MI. After a much needed day off, the vehicle dynamics testing (high-speed handling) is conducted at the Grattan Raceway in Grattan, MI. Only vehicles identified (by the manufacturers) as “pursuit qualified” are tested at Grattan.

The following 2005 models were put through the paces this year at MSP: Ford Police Interceptor (with both 3:27 and 3:55 gears), Ford Expedition*, Ford Explorer*, Chevrolet Impala (9C1), Chevrolet Pursuit Tahoe (2WD), Chevrolet Tahoe (4WD)*, Chevrolet Silverado (4WD)* and the new Dodge Magnum (3.5 V-6). There were experimental prototypes tested by MSP as well, but those results are nonpublished. Those identified by an asterisk (*) did not participate at Grattan.

Our discussions will be divided into the following areas: police vehicles, (including special purpose vehicles and motorcycles); motorcycle accessories; emergency lights and sirens; and vehicle accessories.

Police Vehicles

In alphabetical order, here’s what’s new from the “Big Three” from the static displays at NAFA and the Expo and the rolling tests in Michigan. Following will be a presentation of various specialty vehicles.

The Car’s the Star

DaimlerChrysler

Unless you’ve been in solitary confinement for the last year, you know that DaimlerChrysler (via their Dodge flagship) is going to build police cars again. That is, police cars as defined by most professionals and aficionados – V-8, four-door, rear-wheel driven sedans. Since the demise of the very successful 1982 to 1989 line of Diplomat/Gran Furies, Chrysler has been chasing the dust off Ford’s sedans with the likes of the JEEP™ Cherokee and the FWD Intrepid. Despite these efforts, Ford Motor Company has maintained a dynasty (which Chrysler once had) in the sale of police cars.

Now, the long rumored, much anticipated V-8 Mopar police car is here! (Well, almost, but more on that later.) DaimlerChrysler debuted both their Dodge Magnum Special Service and Pursuit Hemi Magnums at NAFA/LEG and the Police Fleet Expo. There were static versions at the exhibitor’s halls and others available to put through the paces at NAFA’s ride and drive.

The Magnum is an all new platform with a radical new body style. It shares a platform with the Chrysler 300, but the similarities end there. Resembling a customized station wagon, Chrysler execs call the style “sports touring.”  The style is pure “love it or hate it,” but apparently it works, as the civilian models are selling well.

But, here’s the bad news: The first certified police Special Service version of the Magnum will not be available until fall of 2005, and it will be the base (nonpursuit) version powered by a 3.5 V-6. At least, it is RWD you’re thinking, but the six is a reliable, gutsy engine, with millions of proven miles under Intrepid hoods. The Hemi powered, pursuit rated Magnum will not be available for another entire year, in fall of 2006. By that time, there will probably be a four-door sedan available, too.

But, why the wait? As with all new models, civilian sales come first. There is normally a one or two year lapse before we see new cars modified for police work. This is to capitalize on retail sales of a new product, of course, before selling the less profitable fleet versions. But, this one or two year hiatus also provides engineers with millions of “real-world” miles on their new designs which are hard to duplicate on test tracks.

Many police features have already been incorporated into the Magnum, however. It has four-wheel ABS brakes, traction control, 160 amp alternator, rear mounted 800 crank amp battery (resulting in a near perfect 49/51 weight distribution ratio) and Electronic Stability Control, an amazing monitoring system borrowed from Mercedes and redesigned for the Magnum and Chrysler 300.

The 2005 Special Service Magnum will have the following among its many standard features: cloth bucket seats with lumbar support; load leveling rear shocks; inoperable window and door locks; a center console (equipment) mounting bracket; flashing headlights/rear lights; a 100 amp power panel; and more.

The greatest design challenge for the pursuit Hemi Magnum is relocating the gearshift from the floor to the column. Several prototypes were shown and they had shifters which appeared to grow from the column, but were actually mounted in the dash. As the designs progress, the shifters will be modified so the operator can manually shift the five speed transmission if they wish. It will also be designed so it cannot be accidentally shifted out of “D” and Chrysler brags it will be the first shifter designed for police work.

The 5.7 Hemi has 340 HP, but still gets 19-27 mpg due to another exclusive creation called MDS, or Multiple Displacement System. When not under a load, this system shuts off the fuel and valves to four cylinders. This happens in a fraction of a second and the operator doesn’t feel a thing.

Only the MSP results of a civilian version (V-6) Magnum were for publication. It performed respectably and did stop better than the pursuit Fords and Tahoes, but had slower acceleration and top speeds than the police package competitions. The NAFA-LEG ride and drive was different – both the 3.5 V-6 and 5.7 Hemi Magnum Police prototypes were present and available to be driven by participants – and they were driven! By lunchtime at the Vegas Speedway, there were lines 20-30 people deep, waiting to drive both Magnums, while only a handful waited at the Ford and GM stations. As the afternoon wore on, the Magnum lines grew longer and several competitors had no drivers whatsoever! Several participants even wanted to skip lunch for more turns at the wheel.

The drivers’ reactions to both cars were very positive. The ABS and ESP programs performed flawlessly and the Hemi’s MDS system was unnoticeable. During hard cornering, one could momentarily feel the car adjust the suspension and power distribution. The feeling is so slight it is easily missed. The V-6 ran well, but the Hemi was awesome, reminding us (old enough to remember) of the glory days of Mopar with 426 Hemis and Wedges and 440 Magnums!

Although it will be a year’s wait for the first police Magnum, and the Intrepid is now out of production, DaimlerChrysler does offer other vehicles for a variety of police duties.

Their popular SUV, the Durango, is available as a “heavy-duty service” (nonpursuit) unit. It is available as either 2WD or 4WD with engine choices of 4.7 V-8 or 5.7 Hemi V-8s. Canfield Equipment Service, Chrysler’s up-fitters, has a wide range of equipment and options for their “ready for duty” Durangos.

DaimlerChrysler also offers the Dodge Sprinter van unveiled last year at NAFA-LEG. This diesel van can be utilized in a wide variety of police functions – SWAT, CSI mobile crime labs and command posts and for prisoner transport. Canfield also offers a large variety of equipment and options for the Sprinter.  For more information, visit their Web site at www.fleet.chrysler.com.

Ford Motor Company

Ford’s CVPIs are the industry standard with over 250,000 on the road and commanding an 80-85% share of the market. Crown Vics boast a five-star frontal crash rating – the highest rating given and have done so for nine years in a row. Ford continues to concentrate on rear end safety, too, and CVPIs now have been successfully tested at 75 MPH rear impacts, more than required by the government.

Officer safety continues to be a primary concern for Ford. Through their Police Advisory Board’s hard work, Ford engineers have developed the following optional safeguards: Trunk Pack™, a safe trunk organizer; an onboard fire suppression system, Laminated Security Side glass and dual side air bags.

Ford now offers five different levels of equipping from the factory. Called the “Ready For The Road Package,” they continue to be refined and reduce the time it takes an agency to put a unit in service.

The CVPI RWD, body on frame design, with ABS brakes and the proven 4.6 overhead cam SEFI V-8, remains the police car of choice for most American agencies. Ford offers two rear gear ratios for 2005 – 3:23 and 3:55. Of course, the 3:55 is faster off the line, but has a bit slower top speed (119 mph) when compared to the 3:23 (128 mph), which was the fastest of all pursuit vehicles tested. The 3:23 geared Crowns stopped quicker than the lower geared units, too.

The 2005 Ford Explorer VSO Special Service vehicle has been redesigned with safety as a primary concern, too. It comes standard with Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control. There are four basic components of this system: 1) antilock brakes; 2) yaw control; 3) traction control; and 4) vehicle roll motion sensor, all combined to reduce the chance of a rollover accident, a problem which plagued earlier Explorers.

Based upon America’s best selling SUV for 13 consecutive years, the VSO Explorer (in 2WD) was the fastest (107 mph) of the nonpursuit SUVs tested by MSP. Of those same nonpursuit SUVs, the only vehicle with better braking results was the Explorer’s cousin, the Expedition.

The Special Service version of Ford’s Expedition for 2005 boasts a hotter engine, thanks to Ford’s F150 trucks. On permanent loan from the popular pickups, the 5.4, three valve head V-8 develops 300 hp versus 260 in the 2004. It outran both of the nonpursuit Chevy’s tested, a Tahoe 4X4 and Silverado 4X4.

Ford’s Special Service Excursion is a carryover from 2004 and was not tested at MSP, although it was on display at the car shows. 

For more information, visit their Web site at www.fleet.ford.com or www.cvpi.com.

General Motors

The General continues to offer several vehicles for police duties; however, only two wear the coveted “PPV” (Police Pursuit Vehicle) badge – The Chevy 9C1 Impala and the Tahoe. The Impala is also available as a 9C3 (undercover) and the Tahoe in 4X4 as a special service vehicle.

Other special service vehicles in GM’s lineup include the Chevrolet Express Van in lengths which will transport 12 to 15 prisoners, if used for that purpose. Of course, it would be suitable for other law enforcement functions, as well. With AWD and sliding side doors (on both sides), it would work well as a mobile command post or a mobile crime lab. The vans now also feature “Stabiltrak” to help prevent rollovers.

Chevrolet’s breadwinner continues to be the 9C1 Impala. The first sedan ever designed specifically for police work now claims over 50,000 units in service. The FWD sedan continues to perform well at the MSP test at a top speed of 123 mph. It was the third fastest vehicle this year and posted the best braking stats of all entries.

The 9C1 and 9C3 Impalas for 2005 are described by GM Fleet as “carryovers” from 2004 with no change. They continue to be a popular choice for GM fans.

The big buzz at the car shows, ride and drives and MSP test was Chevrolet’s PPV Tahoe. You’ll remember that, last year, we reported the prototype Tahoes tested wore decals which stated “Pursuit Rated by 2005,” but later presentations by GM brass seemed to contradict that. In fact, they stated they doubted any GM vehicle would be so rated in the future. There must have been a change of heart within the ranks of the General’s legal eagles, as the 2005 Tahoe soon to be seen in police parking lots everywhere is a bona fide pursuit vehicle – and it lives up to that rating.

The PPV Tahoe is available in 2WD only and sits a tad lower than the off-roaders. It is powered by a 5.3 295 HP V-8. It is also the second fastest pursuit unit available today – at 125 mph, it is only three miles per hour slower than the CVPI! And out of the hole, that standing start race so crucial to highway units, the PPV Tahoe even beat the CVPI. In all measured increments from 0-20 mph to 0-80 mph, the Tahoe was faster. It also beat out the lower (8.55) geared CVPI in the drag races.

The PPV Tahoe’s braking record with hydro-boost four-wheel ABS discs was a fraction better than the CVPI.

The MSP results substantiate the impression of various drivers at the ride and drives. This is a surprisingly agile vehicle which responds well to aggressive, heavy pedal driving. Corner leans are minimal when compared to other SUVs on the course and the acceleration is an amazing surprise.

The PPV Tahoe features a full perimeter frame with skid plates at crucial locations. It features side impact air bags standard with a host of police goodies, including certified speedo, 160 amp alternator and pursuit tires engineered in company with General Tire.

Some of the most significant news about the Tahoe Pursuit may be years down the road. GM is estimating the vehicle will have a serviceable 200-250 thousand mile life and still have a 30 to 40 percent return at resale! We’ve always known that police cars are designed to rack up high miles – that’s why 99% of the used ones end up as taxis. But, for the first time, a major American manufacturer has acknowledged the fact and is even promising those results to consumers as a sales tool.

As a RWD, four-door (large) sedan with V-8 power, the Tahoe could become serious competition for Ford. The price tag is somewhere around two or three thousand dollars more than for a Crown Vic, but the anticipated high mileage and resale may make the difference. The PPV Tahoes will be in production by the time you read this.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.gmfleet.com.

SPECIAL USE VEHICLES

This section is devoted to specialty vehicles built and displayed by other than the “Big Three.” Built in much smaller numbers, these units have the advantage that they can be customized to individual departments’ specific needs and virtually “hand built” for them.

Sirchie Vehicle Division

 The Sirchie Vehicle Division introduced a new, combination mobile command/crime scene vehicle which is designed for those departments with limited budgets who require both a command vehicle and a crime scene processing unit. In the post-911 world, there has been a demand for multipurpose vehicles which combine functions. The vehicles range from maneuverable “box vans” to full-sized diesel powered Freightliner or Sterling models.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.sirchienj.com.

Universal Specialty Vehicles

USV builds mobile command vehicles to order. One of the new features of the mobile command vehicles presented at the NAFA conference was the V.I.P.E.R. system from Telex/Vega Communications, Inc. USV recently started using this system to enhance the mobile command vehicles’ radio systems. V.I.P.E.R. stands for Vega Interoperability Portable Emergency Response. The system allows law enforcement agencies to cross connect up to 12 radios, allowing communications between various departments, such as local fire, public works, or other area police departments.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.usv1.com.

MOTORCYCLES, ATVS

AND MORE

NAFA-LEG and Hendon’s Expo displayed every kind of individual use vehicles one could imagine. From traditional motorcycles to ATVs to the radical Segways, there was something for everyone.

BMW

BMW USA showed the newest version of the F 650 GS-P motorcycle, a police motorcycle designed to meet the needs of agencies across the country by providing a lightweight, yet powerful, police motor which is designed to operate on a variety of surfaces to enable agencies to utilize their resources as broadly as possible. The F 650 GS-P is perfect for local enforcement and comes standard with ABS brakes, heated grips, saddlebags, four LED emergency lights, a full feature 100W siren, low seat height, linked battery system, etc. for under $10,000.

Though capable of a 100 mph top speed, the GS-P is also a perfect enforcement tool for parks, recreation areas, docks, airports, reservoirs, or anywhere you need to operate on roads, but may need to go off-road, as well.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.bmwusa.com.

Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

In the last issue of POLICE and SECURITY NEWS, we described Harley’s new optional ABS brake system available on three police motors for 2005. These cop shows were the first opportunity many had to view the system up close and personal. Harley’s new ABS will be available on the FLHTPI Electric Glide, the FLHPI Road King and the California FLHPEI Escort model.

Sensitive electronic components of the system are housed in one of the saddlebags.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.harleydavidsonpolicemotors.com.

Honda

Although American Honda did not have a booth at either of the expositions, a fully equipped example of their new police bike, the ST 1100P, was displayed in Squad-Fitter’s booth. Squad-Fitters is one of the first suppliers to offer emergency equipment for the Honda.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.hondaofamerica.com.

Segway

The Segway HT (Human Transporter) has been with us for a couple of years, but this year was its first appearance at the police shows. After many test miles by such American police departments as Boston, Atlanta, Chicago and Kansas City, Segway now offers a heavy-duty police version of their unique vehicle. It is taller, heavier and built to carry more equipment and powered to handle some emergency lighting.

Segways can now be found in service at major airports, such as Chicago’s O’Hare and Atlanta’s Hartsfield and the Department of Homeland Security has approved purchase of them for bomb and hazmat techs.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.segway.com.

MOTORCYCLE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Even though Harley-Davidson and BMW now offer emergency equipment on their bikes from the factory or dealer, more companies are entering the MC equipment field. Many companies already had their feet firmly planted in the police car emergency equipment field and are now coming on board; others have been around for some time. Here’s a sample of what was found in the exhibition halls of Las Vegas and Grand Rapids.

Kustom Signals, Inc.

New from Kustom Signals is the MotorEye video system. Specifically designed for motorcycles, it is a weather-resistant unit which withstands shock and vibration and is resistant to damage from gas fumes.

The video system automatically starts recording when the emergency lights or siren are activated. The system also interfaces with the light bar and Kustom radar units, allowing light bar use and speeds to be superimposed on the videotape.

MotorEye includes a Sony 8mm recorder, a high resolution color camera, and a compact integrated, controller/monitor designed with simple controls for easy operation.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.kustomsignals.com.

Squad-Fitters, Inc.

Squad-Fitters, Inc. is not only a major motorcycle equipment supplier, but they also are dealers for the unique Police Special Chariot. Squad-Fitters also offers a number of their own exclusive products. These include a Pursuit Wig Wag LED kit which features colored LED bulbs which alternate with a center white LED when in pursuit mode. A bonus feature is that, when on normal patrol, the white center LED remains on as a driving light. This is an industry first.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.squadfitters.com.

Whelen Engineering Co., Inc.

Whelen Engineering, long known as the leading innovator in strobe lighting, now offers a variety of LED lighting for police motorcycles. They offer replacement LED lights for 4" PAR 32 assemblies, as well as a complete Harley-Davidson LED package.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.whelen.com.

LIGHTS AND SIRENS

These are literally the bells and whistles of any police expo. NAFA-LEG and Police Fleet were no different – the light and siren displays are always among the most popular at these events. They are so significant they deserve their own section in our annual discussion. Following are the contenders.

911 E.P.

911 Emergency Products is to LEDs what Whelen is to strobes – the pioneer. LED systems are rapidly overtaking strobe and halogen as the emergency lighting of choice. Although LEDs tend to be more expensive than older systems, the cost is often offset by the longer life span and cheaper operating costs. We are now into Generation III LEDs, which are brighter and have a wider spectrum of vision than Gen I and IIs.

911’s newest product is the Galaxy™ light bar. The Galaxy and Galaxy Elite™ are two of the most advanced LED light bars on the market. A complete 360° lighting system with extremely low amperage draw, the Galaxy line uses 911’s signature low profile design and is engineered to provide superior aerodynamics and greater fuel savings than other light bars.

The modular design of the Galaxy line provides incredible flexibility. Galaxy MTO is a custom made-to-order system which allows you to design your ideal light bar, from economy to deluxe, to work within your department’s budget. Available in three stock sizes (48, 54 and 60 inches), modules on the leading and trailing edges can be interchanged to allow for various combinations of LED colors, blanks and up to 400 watts of take down lights.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.911ep.com.

Carson Sirens

Carson’s track record in the electronic siren business certainly makes them a legend and they never disappoint as they have released three new products – including the slimmest control unit ever, the SB-008 Phantom switchbox. Phantom sports a unique, high-tech look and heavy-duty construction. Its sleek, rubberized face features completely enclosed controls and legends for better splash-resistant protection to keep liquids from entering the circuitry. The casing is constructed using 18-gauge steel and glossy black powder coated paint.

At 1 3/8" high, the space saving, low profile Phantom is almost half the size of a typical switchbox. This compact design takes considerably less space and makes it much easier to fit into a console.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.carsonsirens.com.

Code 3

New from Code 3 is their WingMan™ Rear-Deck Stealth Bar.

The WingMan was designed to fit the rear window of the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevrolet Impala. At two inches tall, the WingMan is virtually undetectable from outside the vehicle or in the driver’s rearview mirror. It should be popular for use in unmarked cars and as supplemental lighting for traffic units.

Finally! Someone has done it – and it was Code 3. Code 3 has introduced a feature which will surely become a police mechanic’s best friend – a quick disconnect cable option for their light bars. The new quick disconnect allows you to separate a vehicle’s light bar from its cable with a quarter turn of the connector. The connector housing is permanently mounted to the rooftop of the vehicle with four screws and protects the female end of the 23 pin connector. A gasket provides a seal between the housing and the vehicle roof. The male connector assembly includes a rubber boot which provides a watertight seal over the connectors once attached, and a plastic loom which protects the wires entering the light bar. The harness contains 23 color coded wires.

Code 3’s new Load Manager is in response to a persistent problem for all emergency vehicle operators who have to leave electronic equipment operating for extended periods of time, sometimes with the ignition turned off. The heavy load on the electrical system can lead to a dangerous situation if the vehicle battery dies or drops to a low level. Cole 3’s RLS Load Manager helps to eliminate the problem.

The Load Manager works with their Series siren to monitor dropping voltage levels and automatically sheds nonessential light bar and siren loads in a user determined order. It can even be programmed to turn the entire system off and also has a programmable power down timer for after ignition shutoff.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.code3pse.com.

Federal Signal Corporation

Leading the parade of new emergency lighting from Federal are LED products. An outstanding LED light bar, the Arjent™ proves that high performance warning capability can come in an ultralow profile package. Configuration options include both LED and strobe warning lights, along with SignalMaster directional lighting and 50 watt take down and alley lights to increase officer safety. The polycarbonate shell is stable and its shape is ideal for modern vehicles’ rooflines.

Federal has also introduced Ricochet strobe power technology to its VISTA emergency warning light bar product line.  By increasing strobe output by over 35%, it provides better programming flexibility for flash patterns and improves reliability.  The changes are now standard in all VISTA strobe lights at no increase in cost.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.fedsig.com.

Sound Off, Inc.

Sound Off of Hudsonville, MI, is a leading manufacturer of LED lights, strobe lights, head- and taillight flashers and other lighting products for law enforcement vehicles. Among their newest products are Predator II™ LED systems. The Predator™ line introduced last year has been vastly improved with “Extreme Angle,” a technology pioneered by Sound Off which answers the most frequent complaint about LEDs – side visibility. Sound Off calls this the “Fourth Generation of LED Technology” and they have effectively doubled the output angle of their competition. The Predator II lights are available in a wide variety of configurations: dash and windshield mounts, grille mounts, surface mounts, mirror mounts and their exclusive CHMSL warning system for CVPI rear decks. These blend with the OEM third brake light housing to form a seamless clean factory appearance which also seals the light and wiring to prevent tampering from rear seat prisoners.

Predator II lights are available in a variety of color combinations and feature either direct, hard-wiring or 12-volt DC plugs.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.soundoffinc.com.

Whelen Engineering Co., Inc.

Whelen rolled out a new multilevel light bar designed to showcase all the latest lighting technologies. Delta Independence, the first of the series, features halogen rotating lights for primary warning, with halogen and LED auxiliary warning. With two or five rotating halogen modules plus diamond mirrors, the Independence displays plenty of flash activity while still allowing options like halogen oscillators, take down and alley lights and a built-in, low level, Super-LED Traffic Advisor.

Other new Whelen products include CenCom™, billed as the smartest siren and light control system for law enforcement and emergency professionals. With CenCom, you can control your lights, traffic arrow and siren functions from a single keypad. It is easy to configure with Windows® style programming and it includes hands-free light and siren operation.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.whelen.com.

EQUIPMENT, ACCESSORIES

AND OUTFITTERS

This section is devoted to all the other police equipment needed to fill your cruisers, as well as companies which provide equipment and installations. Again, you will find them in alphabetical order.

Adamson Industries Corporation

The good folks at Adamson could probably put on their own expo. Besides being dealers and installers of such popular law enforcement brands as Federal, Whelen, Tomar, Signal, Sound Off, Able Two, Pro-Gard and more, they can provide any size agency with “turnkey” units complete with paint, graphics and radios.

Adamson is not content to simply install equipment made by others; they also design and market their own products, such as the Intimidator replacement grilles (with built-in lighting) for 1998-2004 CVPIs.

We recently conducted a field test of one of Adamson’s other new products, the Police Interceptor Visibility Package designed for CVPIs. Utilizing existing factory areas on the Ford, this system protects all four sides, but primarily offers protection on the rear end.

With the help of Lt. Jack Pike, Fleet Manager, and our good friends at the Faulkner County (Arkansas) Sheriff’s Department, we installed the kit on a white unmarked Crown Vic. We decided on an unmarked unit so the vinyl would not compete with the graphics on marked units.

The Package added some visibility to the front bumper and front fenders of the CVPI, but the dramatic changes were on the rear end. In total darkness, the Visibility Package equipped car first came into view at six-tenths of a mile with maximum visibility at three-tenths of a mile (or more than a city block), allowing an oncoming driver ample warning time to take evasive action.

The reflective panels for the trunk fascia and bumper are super, but are enhanced even more with the addition of the pieces for the door jambs and trunk interiors. They offer even more protection for the officer when exiting the vehicle or opening the trunk.

The panels would work on any color Crown Vic, of course, but they tend to “disappear” on a white one in daylight conditions.

Lt. Pike did comment that the doorjamb pieces could be larger and labeled better and a detailed instruction sheet would speed installation time. He did feel that the Visibility Package definitely enhances officer safety and was a bargain at $39.00.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.adamsonindustries.com.

AEDEC International, Inc.

AEDEC International manufactures prisoner restraint seating. They provide seats for all popular police cruisers and most SUVs, vans and busses. Their Pro-Straint® system has more legroom than OEM seating and cleans up easily. Their patented design includes retractable restraint belts in the assembly; they keep the prisoner upright, preventing him from kicking out windows and more. Another advantage is that the prisoner can be placed in the unit with the officer standing outside the car.

For under seventy bucks a pair, AEDEC now offers a pair of replacement rear door side panels for CVPIs and Impalas. They replace the factory panels, eliminate door and window controls and add 5" increased entry access, making it much easier to load prisoners. They are easy to clean and help prevent hiding contraband.

Decatur Electronics, Inc.

ThunderWorks Mobile Engineering Technologies is a new division of Decatur Electronics which specializes in vehicle outfitting. Their fleet installation capabilities include a reputation for timely turnaround; trouble-free, quality installations; a technical support program which includes wiring legends and phone/on-line support; custom applications for patrol cars, motorcycles, SUVs and other specialty vehicles; a state-of-the-art installation facility; and an in-house machine shop and custom fabrication center which allows them to handle complex installations.

For more information, visit their Web sites at www.decaturradar.com or www.thunderworks.net.

Fire 911

Fire 911, LLP offers a heat activated fire suppression system for CVPIs. Their Halon-1211 Fire Suppression Systems feature a mounting bulkhead fitting into any panel which is quick and easy. It has a stainless steel Teflon™ lined high-pressure hose assembly and their exclusive “sleeve” bracket design prevents any possibility of dislodgement when a severe accident occurs.

Their exclusive “shock-resistant” thermal release design uses recycled Halon with a nitrogen propellant. The discharge head through the bottom of a bulkhead near the “fuel cell” will discharge at 286° F, filling the entire area with the fire fighting agent.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.fire-911.com.

Gamber-Johnson LLC

Gamber-Johnson dates back to 1954 and is one of the industry’s innovators in vehicle mounting systems and rugged mobile computer docking stations. One of the newest products offered from G-J is a universal cradle for the Panasonic Toughbook 27, 28, & 29 Computers. The cradle is lightweight, easy to use, and can be placed on any Gamber-Johnson motion attachment for tilt and swivel capability.  Adjustable hold-down clips ensure a snug fit, increasing safety to your officers. The wing turn closure latch has a built-in key lock to help deter theft and allows for quick computer insertion and removal.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.gamberjohnson.com.

Havis-Shields Equipment Corporation

Havis-Shields Equipment Corporation manufactures products which include Consolidator® vehicle consoles and computer mounts, K-9 and prisoner transport inserts, window guards and Kwik-Raze® scene lighting. A new product unveiled this year is their StoragePro line of equipment boxes. StoragePro offers the solution for equipment management – no more emergency equipment rolling around or hard to get to in stacked bins. The StoragePro SUV trunk organizer keeps all your gear and equipment neat, orderly and safely hidden from the eyes of potential thieves. Slide out drawers allow easy and fast access to your equipment in any emergency. Pop in dividers allow you to configure the storage drawers in various sizes. It installs in minutes and requires no drilling into the vehicle. StoragePro is currently available for 26 SUVs and vans, including those identified as special service vehicles.

Jotto Desk®

Jotto Desk pioneered consoles and computer mounts with “No Holes” installation – installations which utilize factory bolts and seat platforms.

One of the reasons their innovative Contour Consoles are so popular is they are of a vertical design which does not take up floor space or intrude into air bag zones. They have accomplished this with their patented “Climate Control” design which relocates the Ford OEM heater/AC controls into the console.

Probably the ultimate endorsement of Jotto Desk’s vertical consoles came during one of the NAFA seminars. The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a session on emergency lighting called “Lighting the Future for LE” and, when discussing equipment switches and mounts, the speaker stated, “The Vertical Console by Jotto Desk in the only console to consider.” He continued that a horizontal console in a cruiser was responsible for the death of a trooper in a shoot-out who could not get away from the gunman (over a console) to safely exit out the passenger door.

Jotto Desk is also releasing the unique Patrol Power Supply, a system which will be embraced by anyone who has to retrofit a used Crown Vic. Installers have had to deal with cut wires and missing wire harnesses for years. This unit replaces all original emergency wiring and it attaches under the hood on existing bolts. It provides a fuse box and an entire front to rear wiring harness with all prelabeled wires in gauges which will operate light bars and any other equipment you can dream of.

Originally designed for the 1997 through 2004 CVPIs, by the time you read this, the system will be available for 2002-2004 Explorers and Expeditions with the Tahoe, Suburban and CK series trucks soon to follow.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.jottodesk.com.

Kustom Signals, Inc.

Kustom Signals, Inc. offers a range of electronic products to meet the needs of law enforcement and public safety agencies, including video systems, radar, laser speed monitoring/message sign trailers and more. Kustom’s new Digital Eyewitness NXT is the next generation of digital in-car video. The NXT was designed with the flexibility to accommodate virtually any configuration, allowing customers to custom design their system with the features and options which work for their needs today, but, as their needs change, the NXT can be upgraded to support them.

The system uses an open architecture design to allow users to integrate almost anything which can be imagined. Just a few of the capabilities supported are the integration of a mobile data computer, allowing the computer to control the system and act as its monitor; the ability to stream video wirelessly to and from the car; and the ability to send and receive still images wirelessly, such as suspect or Amber Alert pictures.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.kustomsignals.com.

Laguna Manufacturing, Inc.

Laguna Manufacturing, Inc. is the manufacturer of the 3P Prisoner Transport Seat, a self-contained one-piece prisoner seat which replaces factory rear seating. Laguna’s exclusive 3P (Pro-Active Police Products) Prisoner Transport Seats are now available for the 2005 Durango, as well as the Impala, CVPI, Tahoe and Expedition.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.laguna3p.com.

Lund Industries, Inc.

Lund has introduced several new vehicle console designs. The 2600, 4500 and 6000 series Vertical Consoles are designed to place equipment closer to the vehicle’s dash; they slope down within easy reach of the operator as compared to traditional consoles which fit horizontally between the front seats. 

Lund’s new mounting bracket for the Epson 590 mobile printer allows for vertical or horizontal positioning and features 14 gauge steel construction, a contour strap for secure mounting and a paper guide to prevent jamming.  A new display and keyboard mount for the Datalux TX-200 computer system allows for easy mounting and operator access with the tilt/swivel feature of the screen and keyboard.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.lund-industries.com.

MNSTAR Enforcer Systems

The MNSTAR Enforcer Systems designs and manufactures universal wiring systems for law enforcement vehicles. Their products fit any make, any model, any type vehicles. Their emergency vehicle wiring systems provides “plug and play” solutions for all in-car lighting, communications, and law enforcement products while isolating emergency equipment from the vehicle’s factory electronics. Featuring quick disconnect plugs, a central fuse panel and a fabricated wire harness, the MNSTAR Enforcer ensures quality installations and effortless emergency equipment repairs or transfers.

MNSTAR is rolling out a new series of installation solutions designed to be scalable and flexible to the customer’s specific needs while maintaining the quality and durability of the Enforcer Series.

The new product line, the Responder Series, features three levels of Power Distribution Centers and seven different types of wire harnesses. They offer options as simple as power and ground studs, stand-alone power distribution centers, hardwired customer specific harnesses, and an array of “plug and play” solutions to fit the customers’ specific needs and processes.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.MNSTARenforcer.com.

Performance Friction Corporation

New from Performance Friction in 2004 are front rotors for the Crown Victoria and Impala Police Cruisers. Also offered are Carbon Metallic® and Z-Rated® disc pads for the CVPI, Impala, Intrepid, Caprice and Lumina models.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.performancefriction.com.

Pro-Gard Police Products

Pro-Gard’s P-1500 Pro-Cell Max single prisoner safety transport system features a full tubular frame, partition, rear seat, floor pan, seat belt extension, door panels, window barriers and 3/8" polycarbonate center divider – everything required to form a completely self-contained prisoner transport system.

Pro-Gard also offers trunk organizers, gun racks and mounts and has even developed front skid protective plates for Crown Vics and Impalas.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.pro-gard.com.

Setina Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Setina Mfg. Co., Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of law enforcement vehicle partitions and push bumpers for over 40 years. Setina is the original designer and patent holder for police vehicle partitions and they continue to refine their products.

Setina’s newest BodyGuard push bumper is the PB400 series which features a cross support brace ideal for mounting grill lights and/or speakers. Field-tested by state, city and county police, the new series include a durable black or metallic aluminum powder coat finish (custom colors are also available). In fact, the 2005 Dodge Magnum Police Vehicle, shown at this years’ NAFA Convention, was outfitted with Setina’s newly redesigned push bumper and vehicle partition.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.setina.com.

Stewart Products, Inc.

Stewart Products’  Model number 100-1506 is their new longer console. This console is the Roseville console and has an L-3 in dash monitor mount, with the keyboard on a slide device on top of the console. The AM/FM is mounted all the way in the back of the console. The angle of the back of the console was designed so weapons mounted on partitions can be removed easily.

The Steel Console is their EM-714 console with a Motorola MW800 monitor on top, a side articulating arm for the keyboard, and a Motorola MW800 CPU mounted in the side of the console.

Van 2 and 3 are van consoles Stewart designed to mount various equipment in vans; they fold forward to allow the engine cover to be easily accessible.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.stewartproducts.com.

Tremco Police Products

Tremco Police Product’s police package antitheft system is designed for law enforcement only. Their plug-in systems allow police vehicles to be left running without the threat of being stolen. The systems are inexpensive and easily installed and are now in use throughout the United States. The system was redesigned to accommodate the new steering column and antenna configuration of the 2005 Crown Victoria.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.tremcopoliceproducts.com.

Troy Products

Troy Products has introduced a console and mounting system designed to accommodate Motorola’s new ML 900 docking station and laptop. The ML 900 docking station is substantial in weight. This innovative design came about because using an articulating arm was out of the question and mounting the computer atop a standard console put the laptop too high above the dashboard. Working with a customer, Troy custom made a low profile console to fit their longest component (Motorola Astro W7 radio) as well as their trunk mounted equipment. The top of the console is specially designed to accommodate the custom-made docking station mount which slides forward and back, swivels side to side and tilts while keeping overall height to a minimum.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.troyproducts.com.

Visual Image Systems

One of Visual Image System’s new products is their Stealth Graphics package – violators won’t know it’s a patrol car until they’re caught! Using the agency’s existing graphic design, new Stealth kits are fabricated from reflective vinyl in a color similar to the vehicle paint color (black vinyl on black, blue on blue, etc.); thus, the graphics provide a low profile, “stealth” appearance during daytime use, yet improve vehicle conspicuity and increase officer safety during nighttime use. These are great for traffic enforcement and aggressive driving patrols.

Their new Rear End Protection Kit offers additional warning to motorists and increases officer safety. Available in standard Scotchlite™ reflective vinyl or Reflexite™ High-Brightness vinyl, the Rear End Protection Kit is designed to fit the rear trunk panels of the CVPI (the area between brake light housing and the reverse light housing). The kit is available in various colors and combinations, including red/red, red/white, red/blue.

To further protect the backside of any cruiser, Visual Image Systems offers new Rear Bumper Striping which helps redirect traffic away from a stopped vehicle. Available in various color combinations, these 3" x 36" stripes give the rear end of any vehicle the added punch needed to protect it from oncoming traffic.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.911graphics.com.

Wrap Up!

That’s it for this year. Following are some dates and Web sites if you’re interested in attending any of these events next year:

NAFA/LEG Conference, April 9-12, 2005, Grapevine, TX, www.nafa.org

Police Fleet Expo, August 20-24, 2005, Grand Rapids, MI, www.policefleetexpo.com

MSP 2006 Police Vehicle Evaluation Program, September 17-19, 2005 (tentative), www.michigan.gov/msp n

About the Author: The author welcomes your comments.   He can be reached at:

James G. Post

172 CR 136

     Eureka Springs, AR 72631