Winter 2020 Vol. 18, No. 4
https://hendonpub.com/police-fleet-manager-magazine/
CODE 3 MATRIX® ENABLED COVERT LIGHTBAR
PAGE 8
COVER STORY
2021 MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TEST
PAGE 12 FEATURE: SOLUTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY MOBILITY ISSUES
PAGE 20
GUN THEFT PREVENTION: GUN LOCK TIMER WITH LOCK-OUT PROTECTION
PAGE 26
FOCUS: FORD’S CHICAGO MOD CENTER TODAY
PAGE 28
BE SOCIABLE www.pfmmag.com 1
CONTENTS
Winter 2020 I Vol. 18, No. 4 Photos courtesy of The Michigan State Police, Ashly O’Brien and Brad Brewer
COVER STORY
12 2021 PRELIMINARY MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TEST RESULTS
In October 2020, the Michigan State Police (MSP) conducted its annual testing of police vehicles and police motorcycles. The MSP event runs over four days and takes place at several unique locations in Michigan, depending on the specific tests being performed. By Brad Brewer
4
ADVERTISER INDEX
6
NEW PRODUCTS
12 20
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
8 CODE 3 MATRIX® ENABLED COVERT LIGHTBAR
Code 3 recently introduced the latest Matrix® Enabled lightbar, which delivers powerful warning; features ruggedized, weather-resistant housing; and strikes a discreetly sleek profile.
10
INDUSTRY NEWS
28
26
FEATURE
20 GREAT LAKES SEGWAY… 26 PREVENTING VEHICLE OFFERING SOLUTIONS FOR GUN THEFTS-ADVANCED PUBLIC SAFETY MOBILITY GUN LOCK TIMER WITH Community policing is an important part LOCK-OUT PROTECTION of each department’s connection with their residents. A unique mobility solution can represent your department in the best possible way to your residents.
24 POLICE VEHICLE LEASING… 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER
Police need vehicles that can quickly respond to calls and perform pursuits. Police vehicles must be as reliable as the officers themselves, but without funds to purchase a whole new fleet of vehicles, many departments may have to look for alternatives to keep fresh vehicles on the street. By Brendan Rodela
Stories emerging from the recent unrest in American cities include alarming reports of weapons stolen from police cars by rioters in cities including Atlanta, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. In other reports, intruders have broken into locked police cars and circumvented gun locks, enabling them to steal weapons that had been stored “by the book.” By Rob Iversrud
FOCUS
28 FORD’S CHICAGO MOD CENTER TODAY
The benefit of having the OE upfitter just a few feet away from the factory allows for a seamless order process that begins when an agency orders their units. CAP then schedules the vehicle VIN and triggers Electronic Data Info (EDI) to CMC to order and synchronize delivery of the parts for each vehicle build. After CAP builds the PIU units, they are delivered to CMC with an expectation of a 36hour turnaround for upfit. By Brad Brewer
www.pfmmag.com Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020 3
ADVERTISER INDEX
Winter 2020 I Vol. 18, No. 4
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Company
CO-PUBLISHERS Henry Kingwill and Peter Kingwill EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Henry Kingwill henry@hendonpub.com ph: 224-458-1121 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jennifer Gavigan, Brad Brewer, Yesenia Duran
ARTICLE SUMMARY SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Carl Walanski Article summary goes here. Article cwalanski@hendonpub.com summary goes here. Article summary PRODUCTION goes here. Article summary goes here. Kirk Moen Article summary goes here.
kmoen@hendonpub.com Mobile: 608-770-6364 FURTHER Ph: 224-458-1124RESEARCH
http://star1889.com/svp.htm TRADE SHOW DIRECTOR Lisa McDade lmcdade@hendonpub.com Ph: 224-458-1123
Author info goes here. Author info goes here. PFM ADVERTISING PFE BOOTH SALES Kirk Moen – National Director kmoen@hendonpub.com Mobile: 608-770-6364 Ph: 224-458-1124 FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS CALL 847-444-3300 or e-mail: pfmmag@gmail.com POLICE FLEET MANAGER is published bimonthly by Hendon Media Group, 130 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015 (847) 444-3300. POSTMASTER, send change of address to Police Fleet Manager, 130 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. Subscribers send address changes to Police Fleet Manager, 130 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. For subscription information only, call (847) 444-3300. This entire issue is copyrighted by Hendon Media Group.
Page
Website
Code3 (ECCO Group)
31
ESG.GLOBAL/C3MATRIX
Egis Mobile Electric
15
WWW.EGISMOBILE.COM
General Tire
9
www.generaltire.com
GFX Law
7
www.gfxlaw.com
Great Lakes Segway
19
https://greatlakessegway.com/public-safety/
Hendon Media Group
37
https://hendonpub.com/police-fleet-manager-magazine/
John Jones Pursuit
25
www.policepursuitvehicles.com
Jotto Desk
5
www.jottopublicsafety.com
Kussmaul
6
www.kussmaul.com
Marrow Brothers
35
www.morrowbrothersfordinc.com
OPS Public Safety
33
opspublicsafety.com
Panasonic i-PRO
11
www.publicsafety.i-pro.com
Setina Manufacturing
2
www.setina.com
The new STAR LASER is a modular, low profile, full-size lightbar. SoundOff
23
www.soundoffsignal.com
Tremco Police Products
36
www.tremcopoliceproducts.com
Tufloc
27
www.tufloc.com
Waytek
17
www.waytekwire.com/picker
POLICE FLEET MANAGER SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION CHANGES Please Recycle This Magazine. Remove inserts before recycling.
4 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
Post your comments on this story For any subscription changes please by visiting www.pfmmag.com e-mail us at pfmmag@gmail.com
You take every available precaution to secure your patrol vehicle; firearms in the gun rack, locking equipment and doors. The inconvenient truth is that the criminal element has time on their side to bypass these precautions. Jotto Desk is excited to introduce the Defend IR Security System. The first Security Solution against patrol vehicle break-ins. The Defend IR Monitors the interior of your vehicle utilizing an infrared sensor when armed. When a change is detected, the Defend IR activates the lights and siren of the patrol vehicle, alerting everyone nearby and scaring off a potential thief.
Check it out at jottopublicsafety.com
PRODUCTS
New Products I Previews
Setina Solutions For a Turnkey 2021 Tahoe www.setina.com Excitedly awaiting the arrival of the new Tahoe, Setina is already leading the pack with new solutions to make your job easier. The 2021 Tahoe includes a recess in the Cargo Area which would otherwise be a 3rd row “footwell” on retail models. For some, this is a challenge…for Setina, it’s a solution. Setina’s new 2021 Tahoe Cargo Deck provides a continuous level surface to the rear partition, so gear doesn’t get lost. There’s also available access underneath which can be utilized for other purposes, such as mounting electronics. Setina is once again “setting the bar”. For more information on push bumpers, cargo area storage, prisoner transport solutions and more, visit www.setina.com.
NEW Getac Keyboard Mount…From Lund Industries, Inc email: sales@lund-industries.com
NEW USB-C/USB-A DUAl ChArgiNg Port Charge Electronic Devices In-Vehicle • 63 watt max output allows charging of two devices at the same time USB-C 45 watts/ USB-A 18 watts max. • Built-In LED Indicator • Designed for easy installation • Connect to 12V or 24V switched ignition or directly to battery Model 091-264
TM
MADE IN THE USA
800-346-0857 • www.kussmaul.com • sales@kussmaul.com
6 Police Fleet Manager Fall 2020
Introducing the all new GETAC-KBD Keyboard Mount for Getac’s Rugged VKB10 Keyboard. Featuring a simple pull tab release for easy install or removal of the keyboard…and 75mm and 2” x 4” mounting patterns. It also provides access to the keyboards built-in USB MADE IN THE USA port on the side (which requires a motion attachment). For more information on this and other public safety vehicular equipment, please call 847-459-1460 or sales@lund-industries.com.
ASSEMBLY LINE TO FRONT LINE
GFX IS AWARDED THE FCA-MOPAR®
DODGE DURANGO PURSUIT PROGRAM! The Dodge Durango Pursuit embodies power, performance and speed like no other SUV. While still providing the utmost in utility
with a spacious interior, a daring design and innovative technology. Combine that with GFX’s 30-years of automotive upfit experience in Electrical Pre-Wiring, Lighting, and Graphics to name a few. It’s no wonder why GFX is the preferred vehicle upfit partner.
Dodge Durango SSV 2021 Sales code Guide
GFX LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES
WWW.GFXLAW.COM | 1-800-739-6837
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
CODE 3 MATRIX® ENABLED COVERT LIGHTBAR WWW.CODE3ESG.COM
C
ode 3 recently introduced the latest Matrix® Enabled lightbar, which delivers powerful warning; features ruggedized, weather-resistant housing; and strikes a discreetly sleek profile. Measuring only 1.6 inches high, the Covert Lightbar packs a luminous punch with its dual- or tri-color LED light heads. With improved off-angle performance and additional design enhancements, the Covert is the most versatile and optimized lightbar on the market today.
The Covert is engineered to withstand tough conditions and reliably perform a variety of jobs. The build and materials set this lightbar apart. Thicker lenses and stronger frames resist wear, tear and warping, extending the overall service life. The lens also includes an upgraded design to reduce moisture build-up, ensuring clear light output even while working under extreme weather conditions. Additionally, a built-in photocell can be used to trigger dimming functionality, improving visibility at night. There is adequate space available in the lightbar housing to install an emitter and solar panel. Available in nine lengths and five top-cover colors, the Covert can be customized for any application in the fleet. Customize the dual- or tri-color light heads with combinations of red, blue, white, amber, and green colors. Flash patterns are limitless. They can be easily configured and synced with other Matrix-compatible products using the intuitive software interface. Installation is a breeze with multiple mounting options available and a simple CAT-5 connection to the Matrix Z3 Siren or serial interface box (SIB). 8 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
The Covert offers a durable and reliable solution for agencies that require a robust, low-profile emergency warning system. Code 3 understands that each fleet has unique operational needs. Not only can customers configure their lightbars to order, but the tool-free chassis allows for quick reconfigurations throughout the lightbar’s duty life. The Matrix software provides fleet managers complete control to program flash patterns and functionality based on vehicle actions. Code 3 builds the industry’s most advanced emergency warning solutions so that individual fleets can truly own them and adapt to community and public safety standards.
About Code 3 Code 3, a n ECCO Safety Group™ Brand, is a leader in emergency product design, engineering, testing, manufacturing, and quality control, providing one of the most comprehensive lines of emergency vehicle safety solutions. Code 3 Inc. 10986 N Warson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63114-2029 www.code3esg.com
This ultra-high performance all-season tire is designed for law enforcement fleets and high-speed pursuit applications.
UTQG: SIZES
TREAD WEAR: TRACTION: TEMPERATURE: WIDTH ASPECT RATIO RIM DIAMETER UTQG
METRIC SIZES 225 to 265440 6
50 to 60
AA
16" to 18"
Size
Service Description
Load Range
225/60R16
98V
SL
225/60ZR18
100W
SL
Dodge Charger PPV 2011 and later
235/50ZR18
101W
XL
Chevy Caprice PPV 2011 and later
235/55ZR17
99W
SL
Chevy Impala Police; Ford Crown Victoria Inteceptor 2006 and later
245/55R18
103V
SL
Ford Police Inteceptor Sedan & Utility
265/60R17
108V
SL
Chevy Tahoe PPV 2017 and later
Vehicle Fitments Chevy Impala Police; Ford Crown Victoria Inteceptor '98 - 2002
* Based on internal test results compared to the Goodyear Eagle RS-A® in the size P235/55R17 98W.
On road results may vary.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: ALEX LAIR @ (704) 587- 6589
A 440 AA A
W W W.GENER ALTIRE.COM
INDUSTRY NEWS GM’s Factory ZERO Becomes First US Auto Plant to Install 5G Technology General Motors has announced that Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, the company’s all-electric vehicle assembly plant, is the first automotive plant in the U.S. to install dedicated 5G fixed mobile network technology. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service is operating now at Factory ZERO, with its exponential increases in both bandwidth and speed supporting the ongoing transformation of the plant as it prepares to begin producing EVs in 2021. Verizon Business announced GM is one of its first enterprise customers to use 5G Ultra Wideband service. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network has considerably faster download speeds and greater bandwidth than 4G networks. Factory ZERO is being completely retooled with a $2.2 billion investment, the largest ever for a GM manufacturing facility. Once fully operational, the plant will create more than 2,200 U.S. manufacturing jobs. Today, the Internet of Things is transforming manufacturing plants, enabling connected devices to deliver important benefits to quality and safety. Countless systems and equipment rely on connectivity, such as robotics, sensors and the Automated Guided Vehicles that deliver materials across the factory floor.
New Ford F-150 Arrives in Showrooms… The new Ford F-150’s have arrived in dealerships and early sales are indicating that customers can’t wait to start driving the newest version of the F-Series. The first sales of the truck have already occurred in the Midwest and F-150 is now on its way to dealers in other parts of the country; the number of retail orders placed is at an all-time high. Customer sold orders are up over 210 percent from a year ago November, and dealer orders for stock are more than double the current production schedule. All-new for 2021, F-150 has best-in-class available towing and available payload capacity². It offers the only full hybrid powertrain available in a pickup, with 430 horsepower and the ability to function as a mobile generator with Pro Power Onboard with up to 7.2 kilowatts of electrical output available. Standard over-the-air updates will help keep F-150 at the forefront of technology, while the truck’s all-new interior is designed to be comfortable, useful and connected while on the go.
CAP Fleet Now Offers Ship-Thru Services CAP Fleet Upfitters has announced that through their relationship with General Motors (GM), they were recently awarded a ship-thru code (TDD), for the upcoming 2021 Chevy Tahoe PPV and SSV. This allows a Chevrolet dealership to order a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, request Cap Fleet to upfit the Tahoe PPV in their Texas facility…and ship the vehicle directly to the dealership using GM’s transportation system. To learn more, you can visit www.capfleetupfitters.com or email sales@ capfleetupfitters.com.
Highland Holdings, LLC Purchases MNSTAR Technologies… Highland Holdings, LLC recently announced it has purchased MNSTAR Technologies, a leader in providing electrical system solutions and high-quality manufactured wire harnesses. Along with the change in ownership comes a new name…MNSTAR Group Highland Holdings, LLC. MNSTAR is a major player in the wire harness industry which serves manufacturers of cars, emergency vehicles, boats, RVs, and con10 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
struction vehicles. George W. Klus, Chairman of Highland Holdings, said the industry is changing and he intends to bring MNSTAR up to speed with an infusion of capital and leadership, which he believes will invigorate the company and provide steady growth. Leading the day-to-day operations of MNSTAR is President and CEO Kip Boie, a Navy veteran with more than four decades of manufacturing experience. MNSTAR founder Michael Rhodes will stay with the company as a staff engineer. For more information on MNSTAR Technologies, go to www.mnstar. com or www.facebook.com/MNSTAR.Group.1.
City of Ames Debuts Fleet of Hybrid Cars for Police The city of Ames, Iowa is working on replacing its patrol vehicles with new hybrid cars to become more sustainable. Last month, the Ames Police Department debuted the new 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrids (this is the second hybrid patrol vehicle in the Police Fleet Department). The vehicle has proved efficient and reliable, according to the city. Police vehicles operate long hours, sometimes in challenging and difficult conditions. With the utility hybrids, the reduction in engine run times has reduced overall fuel and maintenance costs. While a non-hybrid unit averages $4,600 over a six-month period in fuel and maintenance, the new utility hybrids have averaged $2,000 over the same time frame. In addition to vehicle cost, operating expenses, and maintenance, the Ames city leaders consider carbon reduction as part of the analysis when deciding on equipment and fleet purchases.
Monroe Ohio Finishes Moving All Police Vehicles to Leases… Monroe has completed its move to a completely leased police vehicle fleet. Monroe recently turned in four marked cruisers and four unmarked cruisers at the end of their lease agreements to Enterprise Fleet Management. It then leased seven marked 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe cruisers for three-year leases and three unmarked 2021 Nissan Rouges for five-year leases. City Manager Bill Brock said this is a reduction of one marked cruiser and one unmarked cruiser. Brock said the monthly lease for one marked police cruiser is $1,169, which includes all of the additional equipment that the cruiser is outfitted with, such as light bars and sirens. He said the monthly lease for one unmarked vehicle is $488, which also includes any additional equipment. Before leasing, Brock said the city would purchase two or three cruisers each year. However, after a cost-analysis study, the city found it would be better to lease cruisers rather than purchase. Police Chief Bob Buchanan said the city gets a better trade-in value with three-year leases and lower vehicle miles. He said a new cruiser fully outfitted would cost about $49,000 each on the state purchasing contract or several thousand dollars less on a three-year lease. The department started leasing unmarked vehicles in late 2014 that were delivered in early 2015. In 2017, the department expanded that to marked cruisers on three-year leases. He said the newer vehicles on shorter leases also help with maintenance costs that usually come about after four to five years of heavy-duty police use. Monroe now has a leased fleet of 11 marked cruisers and six unmarked cruisers. The city owns one marked cruiser…for a K-9 officer.
PANASONIC PUBLIC SAFETY IS NOW i-PRO i-PRO was built on the foundation of innovation, outstanding reliability, and proven performance synonymous with the Panasonic brand – now with a dedicated focus on security, public safety and business intelligence systems. As a recognized global leader in video technologies and cameras, i-PRO will continue to deliver best-in-class evidence capture, management and analytics to provide law enforcement professionals with the high-performance tools they need to keep their officers, and the communities they serve, safe. That’s the power of i-PRO!
publicsafety.i-pro.com
COVER STORY
2021 Preliminary Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Results
2021 PRELIMINARY MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TEST RESULTS BY BRAD BREWER
12 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
I
n October 2020, the Michigan State Police (MSP) conducted its annual testing of police vehicles and police motorcycles. Also this year in November, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) conducted its annual vehicle testing. The MSP event runs over four days and takes place at several unique locations in Michigan, depending on the specific tests being performed.
This year’s testing was of course under the guidelines of COVID19 safety protocols. Due to restricted access for personnel, each OEM was only allowed a small number of necessary engineering staff. All logistics like food and administration functions were restricted to each OEM’s own location and interaction was very limited. The vehicle acceleration, top speed, and braking tests were performed at the FCA Proving Grounds. This 4.7-mile, 140 mph neutral steer banked oval provides the appropriate space to obtain accurate test results at top speeds. The ABS brake test is also performed at the FCA Proving Grounds. The motorcycle brake testing is performed at the Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit’s (PDU) own facility. The MSP PDU’s east straightaway has been used for brake testing since the 2011 model year and provides a consistent surface to gauge brake performance. Both the motorcycle and vehicle dynamics testing are performed at Grattan Raceway. Although these two agency tests are arguably the “benchmark” for all police vehicle manufacturers to meet, MSP and
LASD are not governing bodies that decide which vehicles get blessed with the sacred description of “Pursuit Rated.” In fact, that could not be further from the truth. Both these agencies have a long history of testing vehicles designed for use in the rigorous environment that is front-line policing. It is the nature of the job that requires front-line officers to do extraordinary things in order to keep the public safe. When officers are forced to escalate to high-risk activities, their vehicle must be able to perform consistently at a high level with a non-existent failure rate. The reality is no one can really define the term “Pursuit Rated” or give a specific vehicle that official designation. MSP does a very good job explaining the standard of the rating and its basic rationale for why it is required in front-line policing. Below is an excerpt from the MSP Annual Report, which appropriately explains the rating: “The term ‘pursuit capable’ is more appropriate, as there is no sanctioning body, or specific performance criteria, to determine if the vehicle meets a specialized designation. Each vehicle has been modified from a civilian vehicle to perform better under the rigors of police use. These vehicles are engineered to repetitively stop in a shorter distance, accelerate faster, and handle better than the base platform. Modifications to engines, cooling systems, transmissions and shifting parameters, brakes, tires, stability control programming, and other changes may all be included as part of the manufacturer’s police package.” “The MSP has performance criteria attached to its purchasing specifications. The criteria has historically been that a vehicle
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TESTS
SUMMARY OF ACCELERATION & TOP SPEED (TABLE 1 OF 2)
0-20 mph 0-30 mph 0-40 mph 0-50 mph 0-60 mph 0-70 mph 0-80 mph 0-90 mph 0-100 mph TOP SPEED (mph) DISTANCE TO REACH (feet) 100 mph 120 mph Top Speed
Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L RWD 1.89 2.92 4.34 5.79 7.60 9.66 12.24 15.36 19.17 130
Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L 4WD 1.85 2.92 4.42 5.94 7.87 10.02 12.82 16.02 20.19 125
Dodge Charger 3.6L AWD 1.97 2.97 4.13 5.57 7.41 9.54 11.81 14.93 17.97 140
Dodge Charger 5.7L RWD 1.61 2.40 3.36 4.46 5.91 7.59 9.36 11.68 14.14 140
Ford F150 Police Responder 3.5L EcoBoost 1.76 2.66 3.71 5.03 8.43 10.62 13.42 16.78 27.91 105
0.34 0.72 1.41
0.36 0.82 1.06
0.31 0.67 2.41
0.24 0.46 1.01
0.30 N/A 0.36
Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020 13
COVER STORY 2021 Preliminary Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Results
must accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, 0 – 80 mph in 14.9 seconds, and 0 – 100 mph in 24.6 seconds. The vehicle must reach 110 mph in 4,838 feet and 120 mph in 8,985 feet. The vehicle must maintain an average deceleration rate of 25.79 ft./sec2 while performing twenty 60 – 0 mph threshold braking stops. The vehicle must also successfully complete all 32 laps of the Grattan Raceway dynamics testing without major component failure. Meeting these criteria does not certify a vehicle as being pursuit rated; rather, it justifies a vehicle is capable of performing the job function the MSP requires in a police vehicle. When reading the testing results, it is up to each agency to determine if the vehicle is suitable for the mission
of the agency.” The MSP tests are different from their counterparts out west at the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s (LASD) vehicle test, which is also run annually. MSP is a full-service agency that devotes a lot of time to freeway patrol depending on the geographical area being patrolled. As such, they devote considerable resources to highway traffic patrol. Therefore, performance at freeway speeds is important to them and their testing reflects that. MSP tests all vehicles for top speed. Since today’s vehicles are most often speed limited by software, it is a simple verification of the manufacturer’s claims. Essentially, MSP wants to know, will it hit the advertised speed?
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TESTS
SUMMARY OF ACCELERATION & TOP SPEED (TABLE 2 OF 2)
0-20 mph 0-30 mph 0-40 mph 0-50 mph 0-60 mph 0-70 mph 0-80 mph 0-90 mph 0-100 mph TOP SPEED (mph) DISTANCE TO REACH (feet) 100 mph 120 mph Top Speed
14 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
Dodge Durango 3.6L AWD 1.95 3.08 4.63 6.36 8.80 11.43 14.80 19.07 24.72 128
Dodge Durango 3.0L EcoBoost 1.67 2.59 3.78 5.15 7.01 9.10 11.77 14.83 19.00 130
Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid AWD 1.62 2.72 4.06 5.52 7.19 9.18 11.52 14.30 17.40 136
0.46 1.16 2.84
0.34 0.72 1.12
0.30 0.61 1.28
Ford Ford Police Police Interceptor Interceptor Utility Utility 3.0L EcoBoost 3.3L AWD AWD 1.65 1.99 2.34 3.11 3.32 4.50 4.40 6.04 5.75 7.84 7.21 9.91 9.07 12.55 11.26 15.55 13.86 19.14 148 136 0.24 0.45 1.24
0.33 0.72 1.78
COVER STORY 2021 Preliminary Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Results
Unlike MSP, LASD puts 400 pounds of weight in the back of each SUV tested. LASD believes no police department would ever deploy an empty vehicle, so why not test as it would be deployed in the real world. MSP does not add extra weight to any of the tested vehicles. MSP is testing the vehicle to verify it can meet their specific requirements and the advertised claims of the manufacturer. During the 0-60 mph brake testing, the MSP allows each vehicle to have fresh burnished brakes (new pads and rotors) and they do not require the vehicle to have been driven at all before the brakes are evaluated. The LASD method involves the vehicles being driven hard and the brakes are hot before the brakes are tested. The MSP test begins with “cold” brakes. The first five stops are performed in a southbound direction; the second set of stops in a northbound direction across the same surface. Once 10 stops are performed, the vehicle is driven 3.2 miles at 45 mph to allow the brakes to cool before the second sequence. After the cooling distance, the 10 stops are repeated. The exact initial velocity at the beginning of each of the 60 – 0 mph decelerations, and the exact
distance required to make each stop, is recorded by means of a RaceLogic Vbox 3i GPS-based data collection unit. Please refer to the tables through-out this article the highlights from the MSP testing. Sergeant Brad Brewer is a 30-year member of the Vancouver Police Department. He was an eight-year member of the Ford Police Advisory Board and regularly gives presentations at law enforcement conferences on mobile computing, wireless technology and police vehicle ergonomics. He can be reached at sgt1411@gmail.com. Photos courtesy of The Michigan State Police, Ashly O’Brien and Brad Brewer
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TESTS
SUMMARY OF VEHICLE BRAKE TESTING
1 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L RWD 2 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L 4WD 3 Dodge Charger 3.6L AWD 4 Dodge Charger 5.7L RWD 5 Dodge Durango 3.6L AWD 6 Dodge Charger 5.7L AWD 7 Ford PIU Hybrid AWD 8 Ford PIU 3.0L EcoBoost AWD 9 Ford PIU 3.3L AWD 10 Ford F150 Police Responder 3.5L EcoBoost
Phase 1 Average Deceleration Rate 30.16 30.28 30.36 29.78 29.19 29.42 29.61 29.90 30.50 26.47
Phase 2 Average Deceleration Rate 30.60 30.66 30.52 30.37 29.00 28.94 29.93 30.15 30.67 26.58
Overall Average Deceleration Rate 30.37 30.47 30.44 30.07 29.09 29.18 29.77 30.02 30.59 26.52
Projected Stopping Distance from 60.0 MPH 127.5 127.1 127.2 128.8 133.1 132.7 130.1 129.0 126.6 146.0
**ALL RESULTS LISTED ABOVE ARE PRELIMINARY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON VERIFICATION OF DATA**
16 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
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COVER STORY 2021 Preliminary Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Results
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE VEHICLE TESTS
VEHICLE DYNAMICS TESTING Vehicles Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L RWD
Drivers
Lap 1
Lap 2
Lap 3
Lap 4
Lap 5
Average
AGEMA SCHUTTER DARLINGTON MERCER 01:38.03
01:39.18 01:38.45 01:38.03 01:37.42
01:39.18 01:37.93 01:37.68 01:37.14
01:38.77 01:38.11 01:37.53 01:37.29
01:38.68 01:38.28 01:37.68 01:37.34
01:38.83 01:38.19 01:37.75 01:37.12
01:38.93 01:38.19 01:37.74 01:37.26
SCHUTTER DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA 01:38.93
01:39.40 01:38.76 01:38.04 01:39.62
01:39.70 01:38.48 01:38.08 01:40.24
01:39.4 01:38.41 01:37.70 01:40.23
01:39.32 01:38.63 01:37.88 01:39.70
01:38.82 01:38.62 01:37.84 01:39.75
01:39.33 01:38.58 01:37.91 01:39.91
DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA SCHUTTER 01:37.84
01:38.71 01:37.12 01:37.88 01:38.36
01:37.76 01:37.25 01:37.89 01:38.40
01:37.88 01:37.12 01:37.60 01:38.24
01:37.80 01:37.23 01:37.97 01:38.52
01:37.53 01:37.19 01:37.73 01:38.54
01:37.94 01:37.18 01:37.82 01:38.41
SCHUTTER DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA 01:36.30
01:36.91 01:36.09 01:35.89 01:36.40
01:36.71 01:36.02 01:36.01 01:36.27
01:36.68 01:35.90 01:35.66 01:37.12
01:36.60 01:36.05 01:35.73 01:37.07
01:36.51 01:36.05 01:36.30 01:36.06
01:36.68 01:36.02 01:35.92 01:36.58
Dodge Durango 3.6L AWD DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA SCHUTTER OVERALL AVERAGE 01:41.02
01:41.88 01:41.00 01:40.52 01:41.42
01:41.84 01:40.23 01:40.66 01:41.18
01:41.65 01:40.53 01:40.58 01:41.15
01:41.49 01:40.52 01:40.68 01:41.61
01:41.46 01:40.05 01:40.37 01:41.50
01:41.67 01:40.47 01:40.56 01:41.37
Dodge Durango 5.7L AWD DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA SCHUTTER OVERALL AVERAGE 01:38.79
01:39.53 01:38.30 01:38.64 01:39.12
01:39.62 01:38.70 01:38.26 01:38.85
01:39.69 01:38.07 01:38.35 01:38.97
01:39.45 01:38.27 01:38.42 01:38.91
01:39.34 01:37.97 01:38.35 01:38.93
01:39.53 01:38.26 01:38.40 01:38.96
Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid AWD MERCER AGEMA SCHUTTER DARLINGTON OVERALL AVERAGE 01:38.69
01:38.14 01:38.41 01:39.11 01:38.75
01:38.03 01:38.86 01:39.71 01:38.64
01:38.01 01:38.13 01:39.71 01:38.65
01:38.18 01:38.85 01:39.46 01:38.73
01:38.02 01:38.98 01:39.02 01:38.48
01:38.08 01:38.65 01:39.40 01:38.65
Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.0L EcoBoost AWD AGEMA SCHUTTER DARLINGTON MERCER OVERALL AVERAGE 01:35.65
01:35.96 01:36.06 01:35.75 01:35.22
01:35.60 01:35.72 01:35.90 01:35.19
01:36.14 01:36.19 01:35.75 01:34.99
01:35.78 01:35.70 01:35.68 01:34.74
01:36.17 01:36.11 01:35.48 01:34.96
01:35.93 01:35.95 01:35.71 01:35.02
Ford Police Interceptor Utility 3.3L AWD SCHUTTER DARLINGTON MERCER AGEMA OVERALL AVERAGE 01:38.36
01:38.88 01:39.04 01:37.28 01:37.83
01:38.27 01:38.86 01:37.89 01:38.38
01:38.47 01:38.70 01:38.06 01:38.61
01:38.95 01:38.69 01:37.52 01:38.92
01:38.83 01:38.20 01:37.72 01:38.09
01:38.68 01:38.70 01:37.69 01:38.36
Ford F-150 Police Responder 3.5L EcoBoost MERCER AGEMA SCHUTTER DARLINGTON OVERALL AVERAGE 01:43.84
01:43.57 01:44.39 01:44.69 01:43.06
01:43.41 01:44.56 01:44.73 01:43.20
01:43.00 01:44.08 01:44.24 01:42.75
01:43.22 01:44.53 01:44.56 01:43.09
01:42.88 01:44.42 01:44.62 01:43.91
01:43.21 01:44.40 01:44.57 01:43.20
OVERALL AVERAGE
Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L 4WD
OVERALL AVERAGE Dodge Charger 3.6L AWD
OVERALL AVERAGE Dodge Charger 5.7L RWD
OVERALL AVERAGE
18 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
Providing electric mobility solutions for departments throughout the United States!
GREAT LAKES SEGWAY
Operating since 2010, Great Lakes Segway is the trusted partner for numerous police, security and public safety officials throughout the United States. We partner with you to find the “right” electric mobility solution that will give you the operational advantage and get the job done. Great Lakes Segway is the #1 authorized Segway dealer and service center in the United States. We are committed to supporting the needs and objectives of the Public Safety Community. • Respond quickly and cover more ground
1. 3.
• Provide greater visibility—”see and be seen” • Add more maneuverability and versatility
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• Increase engagement and interactivity • Use for patrolling, responsiveness, emergencies and enforcement
4.
1. 2. 3. 4.
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TRIKKE POSI.TRON INTERCEPTOR eBIKE X2 SE PATROLLER I2 SE PATROLLER (inset) SEGWAY X260 DIRT eBIKE
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248-896-2600 Info@GreatLakesSegway.com GreatLakesSegway.com
SEGWAY’S PREMIER AUTHORIZED DEALER! © 2020 Great Lakes Segway
FEATURE
Solutions For Public Safety Mobility Issues
GREAT LAKES SEGWAY… OFFERING SOLUTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY MOBILITY
20 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
C
ommunity policing is an important part of each department’s connection with their residents. Presenting a friendly face to your community can make the difference in a variety of ways and a unique mobility solution can represent your department in the best possible wayto your residents.
For many years, Great Lakes Segway (GLS) of Walled Lake, Mich. has supported police and public safety, especially now at the critical crossroads between protecting communities and building great community relationships. GLS’ line of electric mobility vehicles can help any community solve problems, be more efficient and set the right tone wherever they go. With a new line of products and a newly opened, full-service repair center, Great Lakes Segway is able to increase the ways to support department needs. Great Lakes Segway is an independent dealer, seller and repair destination for Segway products, not just a dealer of Segway products. Great Lakes Segway is not Segway Inc. For years, people have asked what has happened to Segway within the police community. While support from Segway corporate may have dried up, Great Lakes Segway is there to step into that place and rebuild that bridge. While Great Lakes Segway does carry a full range of Segway products, GLS is not Segway exclusive, and carries a variety of brands that can all be used to help support police and public safety. The most well-known machine when it comes to Segway is the PT (personal transporter). The Segway that you traditionally know and love is more formally known as the Segway PT, in a couple different varieties. The i2, with standard street-ready tires and frame, is built for paved surfaces and light off-road use. The X2, with much larger off-road tires, can handle any surface and is built to be driven over any surface, from the snowy trail to the sandy beach. Both of these units can come with a patroller package, which includes a lighted handlebar shield, SoundOff Signal brand lights and sirens, a larger shield bag, side lights and bags. All of GLS’ Segway PTs are refreshed by Level 3 Segway-trained repair staff. Level 3 is the highest level of Segway repair available, and our mechanics can diagnose and fix any issue with the PT, giving you total peace of mind as you ride. Machines that GLS has for sale are as perfect as possible, and repaired machines are brought up to that high standard of quality. With Segway Inc. no longer producing factorynew Segway PTs, Great Lakes Segway is the source for the finest, highest quality Segway PTs on the market today. Another top product in the mobility space is the e-bike, and Great Lakes Segway has departments covered there as well. Recon Power Bikes provide a remarkable combination of power and durability, exactly what’s needed to be the reliable bike for officers on patrol. Recon ebikes are built to military specifications, which is evident in the re-
Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020 21
FEATURE Solutions For Public Safety Mobility Issues
inforced frame and fat tires - that strength allows for riding over obstacles, on any terrain, in any circumstance. A Samsung battery and five levels of electric power assistance allow officers on patrol to get a small boost, no boost, or to simply push down the throttle and get somewhere as soon as possible. Additional accessories include lights, sirens and carrying bags; these police-grade ebikes can be a perfect fit in any department with bike patrols! Trikke is a newer addition to the Great Lakes Segway product family. The Trikke Posi-Tron is a police-specific model that can extend foot and bike patrol range, on-foot call response speed and provide a unique layer of community engagement. This machine’s unique three-point stance comes with the same strong construction, Whelan lights and sirens, a reinforced aluminum frame and other features that you would expect in a police vehicle. Segway Powersports is an exciting line of off-road vehicles coming to GLS in 2021. With ATVs, UTVs, side by sides, and more, your department can patrol, service, and protect your land that much better, all quietly and efficiently. Hybrid engines and sleek, modern designs create powerful machines that would fit into any department’s fleet. These vehicles serve multiple uses, from off-road patrols and surveillance, to utility operations and establishing presence. Segway Powersports’ line of products will be available in early 2021. Great Lakes Segway is not just a dealer, but also a full-service repair shop. Recently opening a new service center has allowed Great Lakes Seg-
22 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
way to expand to more of a full-service company to support you. GLS can provide repairs and service for all of your machines, not just ones purchased through them. This includes bikes, scooters, ATVs, utility vehicles, and more, all on top of the best Segway repair service possible. Our service center has multiple trained technicians, all available to keep your machines in perfect condition. GLS is offering Segway PT, bike and other mobility repairs via inperson service as well. Various mobile units can travel to you, prepped and ready to fix anything needed. Simply call GLS, discuss the full range of machines to be serviced, and let a skilled technician come out to refresh everything in your garage. The process includes a full inventory and testing, replacement of all basic parts in need of a tuneup, advanced repairs and more. GLS can bring their knowledge and repair skills to you along with bringing the product line to you on the same tripjust another way GLS goes above and beyond to help those in uniform. For those customers who have Segways or other machines in need of immediate repair, anywhere in the country, Great Lakes Segway’s EZ Ship program is the solution. Simply ship your unit to GLS, let them take a look to diagnose the issues, approve the estimate, and your fully repaired machine will be returned back to you, with no inconvenience needed! The highly recommended EZ Ship program has already repaired machines from places around the country, from Florida to Alaska. Great Lakes Segway has been traveling the United States throughout the past year- they’re not limited to Michigan and the Great Lakes anymore! Their knowledge and expertise can be of service to you, whether you’re just around the corner or thousands of miles away. Great Lakes Segway can bring that expertise to you, in whichever way is most convenient! As we all wrap up a tough year, we encourage all police and public safety departments to look to Great Lakes Segway to fulfill any budget requirements for 2020 and to carve out a place for them in your 2021 budget. GLS can work with you on any step of the process from funding sources and estimates, implementation, training and maintenance. GLS is confident in their ability to craft a solution that fits your department, your officers, and your community.
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POLICE VEHICLE LEASING
5 Things to Consider
POLICE VEHICLE LEASING… 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BY BRENDAN RODELA
2
020 will likely go down as a year unlike any other, for many reasons. Civil unrest and COVID-19 are two major challenges that directly impact law enforcement agencies across the country. Police officers and the agencies they serve are responsible for working with government and public health officials to contain the spread, serve the local community, and maintain public order.
Police Chiefs and Fleet Managers will likely have to deal with altered or reduced budgets in 2021. Some large departments, such as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), could see $150 million removed from their budget. Therefore, they are looking at possibly dissolving some specialized units, such as their Sexual Assault Unit and Animal Cruelty Task Force. Other departments will have to make similar, difficult decisions as cuts could be coming across the board. One area where agencies cannot afford to stop spending is on vehicle purchasing and maintenance. Police need vehicles that can quickly respond to calls and perform pursuits. Police vehicles must be as reliable as the officers themselves, but without funds to purchase a whole new fleet of vehicles, many departments may have to look for alternatives to keep fresh vehicles on the street. Government Leasing Consultants Bob Crowe and Joanne Cornier have several decades of experience meeting the fleet needs of agencies on local, state, and federal levels. They have kindly offered their insight into the field of government vehicle leasing. Below are five things to consider when leasing police vehicles. 1. Affordability: More vehicles now. For the price of purchasing a few vehicles and outfitting them with all the bells and whistles, many more could be leased. Four vehicles, patrol ready, will likely cost an agency approximately $200,000. For that same price, an agency can lease 12 or more vehicles and pay for them over a term of several years. This will of course allow agencies to stretch their budget from a few new cars to revamping a large portion of the fleet. 2. Flexibility: Getting exactly what you want. Just like purchasing, leasing vehicles comes with all the options you could ask for. Bob and Joanne can help agencies lease vehicles from local retailers, as well as use local outfitters to install the necessary equipment. This prevents headaches when it comes to maintenance, as the routine will be the same as it is for purchased vehicles. Departments can lease both new and used vehicles, including interceptors for patrol, and unmarked vehicles for undercover and detective work. There is no “one size fits all” approach to Police work, and equipment should be treated the same. 3. Closed-End versus Open-End. Leasing is done one of two ways, and Fleet Managers will have to decide what is best for their needs. A closed-end lease gives the agency the option to purchase or return the vehicle at the end of the lease, but there is a limit on the mileage the vehicle can accrue during the lease period. If this limit is surpassed, the agency will have to pay a fee upon completion of the term. For smaller jurisdictions, this may be a more viable option, or even for unmarked 24 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
vehicles that will not be on regular patrol duty. In a large jurisdiction, or for departments that rotate vehicles between officers and shifts, it may be difficult to accommodate a mileage limit. An open-end lease does not have a mileage limit; instead, the vehicle must be at or above a certain value upon completion of the term. If the vehicle has depreciated below that value, the difference must be covered by the agency. This means the vehicle must be well-maintained and cared for to keep its value high. As fleet managers know, this may be a tall order for certain officers. 4. Barriers to Entry: Will the budget allow it? While leasing is an affordable alternative to purchasing, it is not always a viable option. Some municipalities, for various reasons, do not permit leasing in their budget, opting to make purchases outright, or do without. When initially allowing vehicle leasing, the budget may need to be restructured due to the vehicle costs being spread over multiple fiscal years. It may take some convincing for certain municipalities, but the end result of several fully equipped vehicles cannot be denied. 5. Safety Benefits: Keeping the best cars on the street. Many officers can recall having to drive “the old” unit. The spare unit with duct tape upholstery, a dashboard lit up light a Christmas parade, and chewed-up seat belts thanks to the K-9 officer borrowing it a few times. Every shift begins with a jump start, and if you are responding to an address at the top of the hill, you have to turn off the air conditioner to make it up there. The parking brake is a must because it is guaranteed to slip out of park and roll away. While it is easy to have a laugh about the rookie having to drive the clunker, it is frankly irresponsible and unsafe to have a vehicle like that in the fleet. Surely there are not any Fleet Managers happy about having these sorts of vehicles around, but it all comes down to cost. Even if the department cannot afford anything else, there should still be a spare vehicle or two around. Naturally, the older vehicles become spares and the new ones are on the street; however, in some places, budget constraints mean the “new” vehicles are in the same shape as the spares because they have not been replaced in years. With the reality of major budget cuts possibly coming in 2021, this will likely become more commonplace. Leasing larger numbers of vehicles, in lieu of purchasing a few, may be the best way to keep new, high-functioning vehicles on the street. A rotating fleet of leased vehicles means nobody gets stuck driving a rolling liability and every vehicle can be relied upon to perform when the major calls come in. Brendan Rodela has been a patrolman for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department for over four years. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice as well as certification in Instructor Development. Bob Crowe and Joanne Cornier are vehicle and equipment leasing executives who have assisted countless federal, state, and local agencies achieve their mission goals while minimizing their fleet costs.
GUN THEFT PREVENTION
Gun Lock Timer with Lock-Out Protection
PREVENTING VEHICLE GUN THEFTS-ADVANCED GUN LOCK TIMER WITH LOCK-OUT PROTECTION BY ROB IVERSRUD
S
tories emerging from the recent unrest in American cities include alarming reports of weapons stolen from police cars by rioters in cities including Atlanta, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. In other reports, intruders have broken into locked police cars and circumvented gun locks, enabling them to steal weapons that had been stored “by the book.”
Theft of guns stolen from owners of private vehicles is also on the rise. In Atlanta, 1,021 guns were stolen from private vehicles in 2018 – more than double over 2009. In St. Louis, the number nearly tripled during the same period. As more individuals obtain gun permits and are storing handguns and rifles in their cars and trucks, the trend is likely to continue. Now more than ever, it is important to keep weapons out of the hands of people they are not intended for. The Advanced Gun Lock Timer with Lock-Out Protection, a new product available to upfitters of police, marine, work vehicles, and 4x4 vans, raises the bar substantially on gun storage safety in vehicles, providing lock-out protection previously not available. Police departments and other agencies often secure weapons using locking weapon mounts next to the driver or in the rear storage compartment of their vehicles. Weapons are typically locked and released by an electrical solenoid triggered by a discreetly located release button. However, if a vehicle is broken into, many gun lock systems can be defeated by either locating the button or by “hot wiring” the gun lock release solenoid. The Advanced Gun Lock Timer’s lock-out protection completely shuts off electric power to the gun release solenoid, preventing intruders from activating or hot wiring it. Manufactured by Egis Mobile Electric, the Advanced Gun Lock Timer is a solid-state relay that features compact, bulletproof construction, integrated thermal overload, and temperature-resistant materials, enabling it to be mounted anywhere on the vehicle and hidden from intruders. Also, with an extremely low power draw, it will not drain the batteries when vehicles are parked for long periods of time or radios are left on. In addition to timed release window functionality ranging from 6-20 seconds, the module goes one step further: Users can pre-determine how long after vehicle shutdown before lockout is triggered, with options ranging from 15 minutes to two hours. This unique feature ensures that when the vehicle is left unattended, the weapon will be far less likely to be maliciously removed. 26 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
When an officer needs to access the gun locker, the time delay module can be overridden by turning on the vehicle ignition or by using a physical key. The Advanced Gun Lock Timer does not require an ignition-switched input signal to operate, which could be difficult to set up in newer vehicles (especially in rear storage compartments). Instead, it utilizes a single 24-hour feed from the vehicle battery to sense alternator charge voltage to determine the vehicle operating status. To install, the Advanced Gun Lock Timer is simply connected to uninterrupted battery power, the gun lock release solenoid, and the weapons release button. The module can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position, providing nearly unlimited options for locating it—a boon to upfitters who are challenged with making efficient use of space in police vehicles while making the module difficult to find by intruders. If a vehicle’s electrical installation contains additional components in the same area as the weapons mount and release solenoid, Egis Mobile Electric strongly suggests utilizing an “All-Upfit” battery switching and power management device (such as their 7601 or 7616 Time Delay Relay) and locating it in a different area of the vehicle. By allowing the disconnection of all power to the area where the weapons release solenoid is installed, the ability to ‘hot-wire’ it is significantly reduced. Using a time delay relay also prevents battery drain from add-on equipment loads left on after engine stops or from multiple systems connected to the battery. For more information about the Advanced Gun Lock Timer with Lockout Protection, you can visit www.egismobile.com or the distributor website at www.waytekwire.com/. Rob Iversrud is the Category and Product Manager for Waytek, Inc., a national distributor for Egis Mobile Electric and other companies. Egis Mobile Electric develops and manufactures electrical power and battery protection technology for police cars and other specialty vehicles. Products include low- and high-amp timer disconnects, fuse and ground distribution blocks with screw and connector output options, and whole vehicle system solutions.
FOCUS
Ford’s Chicago Mod Center Today
FORD’S CHICAGO MOD CENTER TODAY
BY BRAD BREWER 28 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
WWW.MEDIA.FORD.COM
A
lot has changed since Ford opened its Chicago, IL facility in August of 2011. Troy Design & Manufacturing (TDM), a wholly owned Ford Subsidiary, is the only OEM police equipment upfitter for the current Police Interceptor Utility (PIU). Known internally as the Chicago Mod Center (CMC), it started production in January of 2012 with a 54,000-square-foot facility. Today, CMC is in an all-new building located at 3400 E. 126th Street in Chicago, only 300 yards away from the Chicago Assembly Plant (CAP). The move to the new location increased their size to 100,000 square feet.
CMC has a combined salary/hourly staff of around 288. In order to meet demand, they run two 10-hour production line shifts. Always ensuring safety is paramount, CMC has a full COVID-19 protocol in place with all employees being temperature checked and screened before entry into the facility. The CMC facility has a maximum unit capacity of approximately 68,000 units but usually runs a steady 50,000 units a year through its doors. The numbers do not lie; each year since its inception the CMC has increased its production exponentially. In 2020, CMC produced the final Police Interceptor Seunits
units 2012
19,482
2013
29,409
2014
35,677
2015
39,557
YEAR
2016
46,729
2017
48,597
2018 2019 2020 2021
47,470 18,065
(Major PIU Product Refresh Launch) 28,089 (as of October 2020) 68,000
Overall capacity for new facility approximately 68,000 units UNITS
dans, as they were discontinued in 2020. In addition, they produced the final Police Responder Sedans, as they were also discontinued for 2020. They currently produce only the Police Interceptor Utility. The benefit of having the OE upfitter just a few feet away from the factory allows for a seamless order process that begins when an agency orders their units. CAP then schedules the vehicle VIN and triggers Electronic Data Info (EDI) to CMC to order and synchronize delivery of the parts for each vehicle build. After CAP builds the PIU units, they are delivered to CMC with an expectation of a 36-hour turnaround for upfit. Units can travel through up to six stations for various upfitting. From the moment any PIU is released from Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, accountability and quality assurance is the priority. As the PIU drives through the CMC access door, it is immediately scanned by VIN and entered into the CMC system. The staff member who brings it in immediately performs an acceptance QC check to ensure there are no issues with the vehicle after its release from CAP. If there are, CMC does not accept it, and it is either fixed quickly on the spot or returned to CAP. Once that inspection is complete and the vehicle is accepted, it is entered into the CMC system and a work order is generated specific to that vehicle. CMC then takes a decal with a RFID tag built into it and attaches that sticker to the vehicle. That RFID tag stays on that vehicle until it has been approved to leave the facility. It also allows that vehicle to be queried by anyone at any time to track the level of completion as it moves through the CMC facility. Set up identical to a regular vehicle assembly plant, CMC has six production lines that can all do a complete upfit start to finish, so there is no need to move the vehicle around to different locations within the plant. All six production lines can do all the content required by the specific VIN order sheet. Again, keeping with accountability, the first technician to do any type of upfitting must now log into the first worksta-
Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020 29
FOCUS Ford’s Chicago Mod Center Today
tion to get the description of the first package to be installed in this particular Interceptor. The computer lists the required harnesses and lighting to be installed. Also on the same screen is a PDF document that opens up with color instructions for clarification. With the introduction of the all-new 2020 PIU, CMC has added instructional videos to assist installers in the exact installation technique required. As the vehicles move through the upfit lines, it is like watching a fine-tuned ballet. The installers know exactly what they are doing; nothing breaks, nothing is forced off, nothing is jammed, it is removed or installed correctly each and every time. One has to ask, can your upfitter say that? It is almost impossible to upfit a police vehicle without a clip or screw breaking, and how many of those just get pushed back in with nothing said? Not at CMC; it cannot happen because of the station-by-station QC checks. A CAP-trained technician removes all of the OEM interior parts in order to allow for the installation of the wiring harness and to get ready for lighting installations at the next station. Before the vehicle leaves that station, the installing tech must go back to the workstation and enter in that the work has been completed and again confirm another QC check. Most shops just simply do not have or require this type of accountability. After the harnesses are placed inside the vehicle, it moves down
30 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
the line and again as it enters the next station, the technicians log in and get the next set of instructions. At the second station, the vehicle goes up on a hoist. Here it will get the front clip (bumper) removed and if required by order, front grille lights and front siren installation, and the optional skid plates are bolted on. In just a few minutes, a properly trained pair of techs can remove the front clip of the vehicle. While one is installing and connecting the waterproof siren speaker wiring package, the other is installing the front grille lights. Since the grille lights take less time, the second tech moves directly to installation of the skid plate, with all the parts sitting neatly on a table next to the hoist. Almost to the second as the speaker install is completed, the skid plate is also put on. The front clip is picked up and attached back on with all factory clips and screws re-torqued to factory specs. At this time, CMC is still only installing the single 100-watt siren driver. Demand from many agencies is to run dual 100-watt siren drivers so CMC is working with the PIU project team to look at adding dual 100-watt siren drivers in the near future. All PIUs get a few standard upfit features, one being the rear liftgate key cylinder. At the rear liftgate, technicians install the key lock cylinder. As easy as this sounds, it is very impressive given the level of care taken in this process. The rear hatch exterior is given a protective sheet placed on the paint. On top of that, they install a 3D printer-made plastic jig that clamps on to the exact same place every time to ensure the precise location for the hole. Once everything is lined up, the hole is drilled using very sharp bits. In fact, CMC is so picky about making sure they use sharp bits that they usually change them out every 8-10 installations. This is a significant improvement from the previous generation Interceptor keylock installation, as CMC used the drill bit for close to 20 installations before changing to a new drill bit. You would be hard-pressed to find any in-house shops or aftermarket upfitters that change out drill bits at this frequency in an effort to maintain the highest quality control. For those who say this is excessive, it is true; a drill bit can be effective much longer than that, but CMC found that as a drill bit dulled, it was less effective in cleanly cutting through the paint and metal. After a closer look, an examination not seen by the human eye, the paint can experience microscopic cracks that over time could cause paint or metal fatigue. It is very likely most other upfit shops do not think about that when they drill a hole in the last vehicle they upfitted. They are usually thinking about how much longer until lunch. Once the hole is drilled, it is deburred and the technician switches to inside the liftgate. Using an OEM part, the lock cyl-
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FOCUS Ford’s Chicago Mod Center Today
inder gets a heavy-duty bracket anchored by four bolts, ensuring there will be no future issues with rattles, squeaks, or overall cylinder strength. In the 2020/21 sixth-generation Interceptor, the lock cylinder is located in the exterior liftgate black applique, which has a special knock-out hole for the lock cylinder, no drilling required. Again, no work is started without the tech logging in to start and logging out upon job completion and QC. One of the most complex installations done by CMC is the “A” pillar spotlight installation. It is for good reason Ford recommends that CMC do the “A” Pillar installations or at the very least, have them do the drilling and each agency can do their own installation. After seeing how well CMC does this process, I would question why anyone would want to do this themselves, as this is easily one of the quickest ways to scrap a vehicle if you make a mistake. Again, to ensure the highest levels of quality, the Interceptors ordered with spotlights come out of CAP with the “A” pillar black plastic applique not attached to ensure that when they get installed, they are installed properly without any broken clips or anchors. The previous generation of Interceptors had clips to hold on the A pillar applique but for 2020, that was upgraded to a clip/bolt solution that is significantly more robust. 32 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
For the 2020 model year, Ford increased the body strength again by switching from Boron Steel to a stronger material called “Martin Sites Steel.” This harder steel is even tougher to drill through and requires more frequent drill bit changes than the previous Boron steel A Pillars. Drilling through Martin Sites Steel requires not only an expensive drill bit but a sharp one. CMC takes no chances and replaces the Martin Sites Steel drill bit around every 8-10 Interceptors. First, a spider fixture jig is anchored on the vehicle to start a pilot hole and the anchor points for the light mechanism. Once those pilot holes are drilled, the jig is removed and replaced with a combination drill and jig. This one drills the main holes for the spotlight arm to pass through. For those considering doing this yourself, please remember there is an airbag in that “A” pillar. Once drilled, the holes are deburred and coated with waterproof sealant. The mechanisms are installed and torqued to factory specs. The “A” Pillar black applique is installed and anchored for the first time as it normally would have been back at CAP. Once the Interceptor leaves the spotlight install station, it goes to get rear tail light strobes and rear hatch glass red/blue LED lights. If an agency decides they want to order just the Ultimate Wiring Package and the special police tail lights with emergency light knockouts because they want their specific brand of lighting other than Whelen, that is now easy to do. However, they should be aware that in the previous generation PIU, there was no hole drilled in the body of the vehicle to allow the wires to pass through correctly to meet the housing connector. In the new 2020 PIU, Ford had the forethought to have a hole stamped into the area, saving the need to drill a new one. This is actually a big deal when you think about the fact that now the metal is dipped in E-coat from the factory and will not have any burred edges. Again, this is another small detail that provides major time and cost savings for the upfitter. The strobes are installed in the light housings and the OEM tail light is reinstalled using the factory torque specs. Same goes for the front headlight assembly. New for 2020/21 are the programmable headlamps that allow for simple wig wag programming by CMC or agency technicians. New for 2020/21 is the SoundOff Traffic Advisor, a completely separate part that is actually installed in production at CAP. CMC then connects the wiring and confirms operation QC. There is also a new SoundOff interior visor lightbar that is beautifully hidden up
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against the headliner but still provides outstanding exterior light throw. SoundOff has also provided a new rear liftgate applique lighting solution, offered also in red and blue; this is a nice addition for the lower-level lighting on many vehicles. Once the Interceptor has all the ordered wiring and lighting content installed, it can then go to final QC if completed and if not, it can move on to other optional stations. In the previous generation PIU, CMC offered 3M vinyl wrapping, but starting for the 2020 MY, that option has been discontinued. In all six lines of production, CMC can install the Ford-approved BLS ballistic door panels. For 2021, these panels come in either NIJ Threat Level III or IV. This complex installation is one that no agency should be doing on its own; CMC has a very defined procedure using OEM bracketing and anchor points in the doors. Each door is stripped of interior trim, glass, and all interior door electronics before ballistic panel installation is initiated. First, the heavy-duty panel bracketing is installed in order to accept the panel. Once complete, the technician selects a specific BLS ballistic panel, and using a scanner, the BLS panel serial number is recorded and then CMC knows exactly what vehicle it is installed in and who installed it. For the 2021 MY, the panels have RFID tags to ensure the right panels are in the right vehicle at all times. The panel then gets carefully slid down the glass opening in the top of the door and fitted in against the previously installed brackets. Again, torqued to factory specs, the panel is secured in the door to ensure no chance of integrity loss. The vehicle is then checked for any squeaks or rattles associated with the ballistic panel install, then the technician signs off at the workstation using his or her proximity card again. Once all content is installed and the vehicle has moved to the end of the production line, the vehicle hits CMC QC. The final QC technician again reads the RFID tag on the vehicle and also has a printed list of the required ordered content. The technician goes over each item, ensuring the package functions the way it should. If the vehicle was equipped with “A” Pillar spotlights, then the entire time the vehicle is in QC, the spot lamps are turned on to ensure no issues are observed. Both the Whelen and Unity LED spot lamps are tested with all required movement, and the light beam is checked to ensure the light is the correct warmth against the wall. The LED spotlight is tested against the hood of the vehicle to ensure continuity of all 34 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
nine LEDs inside. Even if an agency did not order the standard Whelen CenCom system with Sapphire controller to activate the emergency lights, CMC has a portable controller system they plug in to the Interceptor in order to test all functionality before the vehicle leaves their facility. One interesting note about the wiring packages and controllers-if an agency is looking to have the lights installed by CMC but prefer their own siren/light controllers, then they need to be clear and understand that they can order the “Ready for the Road Package” with the “CenCom Delete” option. This allows the entire lighting package factory installed and ready to allow integration with the agency’s own controller and siren unit. After final QC sign-off, the vehicle goes into the water test booth where it undergoes a two-minute and 30 seconds soak cycle with a 40psi, which is equal to CAP’s five-minute soak booth. This ensures that no matter what level content the vehicle had installed, it is still water tight as when it left CAP. When there is a design change in any Interceptor model, a new vehicle model pilot build is brought to CMC from Ford (TT, PP, MP1). The Quality Manager will go through and audit all units and sign off that all work has been completed correctly and func-
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tions have been made from a supplier standpoint and from CMC facility installation. This includes checking the part supplier quality as well. Then and only then is the vehicle released out the door to the on-site holding area for shipping. What is impressive at CMC is the level of QC accountability not typically seen with the average Law Enforcement “in house” or contract upfitters. For example, every employee has a body-worn proximity card that not only tracks them for access to the security restricted facility but also designates the way they access each workstation. What is also often overlooked is the fact that CMC’s work is covered under the Ford warranty program, which is available through your Ford dealer. It is highly unlikely that any in-house or third-party upfitter provides the same standardized OEM quality workmanship and then stands behind it with OEM warranty value. As Fleet Managers, we owe it to the men and women on the front lines to ensure that only the highest quality control standards are accepted. CMC continues to elevate these QC benchmarks because the safety of our front-line workers is something Ford and all the staff at the Chicago Modification Center take very seriously. Sergeant Brad Brewer is a 30-year member of the Vancouver Police Department. He was an eight-year member of the Ford Police Advisory Board and regularly gives presentations at law enforcement conferences on mobile computing, wireless technology and police vehicle ergonomics. He can be reached at sgt1411@gmail.com. Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
36 Police Fleet Manager Winter 2020
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