WELCOME

Welcome to the first of issue of Police Fleet Professional Magazine (formerly Police Fleet Manager Magazine).

Story by Pete Kingwill Principal Signal Business Group LLC

Welcome to the first of issue of Police Fleet Professional Magazine (formerly Police Fleet Manager Magazine).

So why the name change?

This is something we have been considering for several years. While many of you who read our publication have the title of Police Fleet Manager, Fleet Director, or Fleet Administrator…others have the title of Fleet Technician, Upfitter and Radio Installer as well as Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant (who are now directly responsible for police vehicles).

You are all Police Fleet Professionals.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine is the only publication dedicated to covering the police fleet market by providing a platform for sharing ideas and reporting on critical issues that Fleet Managers (and others) face every day. It is designed to serve as a primary resource tool for those that are directly responsible for the purchase, integration and maintenance of police vehicles and vehiclerelated accessories. health and environmental impacts.

One of the biggest fleet discussions, happening within police departments, is whether to transition to electric vehicles (EV’s) and/or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) and how to do it effectively. New York City, for example, recently confirmed plans to buy over 1,250 electric vehicles… transitioning all law enforcement vehicles to electric, by 2035. Key motivations for transitioning to EVs include significant cost savings on fuel and maintenance expenses, superior performance, enhanced safety features and positive health and environmental impacts.

Additional coverage includes such topics as specialty vehicle upfitting solutions, vehicle testing results, latest reports from the Big 3 (GM, Ford and Dodge Law/ Stellantis), better fuel efficiency options, profiles of current Fleet Managers (and others), vehicle storage solutions, new products and much more.

Make sure you check out and register for Police Fleet Expo 2023, which will take place August 14-17, in New Orleans, LA. This 4-day interactive conference & expo offers DriveX (our ride & drive event at NOLA Motorsports Park), relevant educational sessions, multiple networking opportunities, some great one-on-one time with key companies serving the police fleet market…and much more. You can register at www. policefleetexpo.com.

We are very excited about what we are

2023 Police Fleet Expo

Police Fleet Expo 2023 brings together the largest group of Police Fleet Managers with vehicle manufacturers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the only Expo that is exclusive to all aspects of Police Fleet management.

seeing in the market and we can’t wait to introduce you to some new products and companies that are innovating and improving products and systems…that will, hopefully, help make your job more productive and efficient.

If you have a great story to share or an idea about a topic you would like to see covered in a future issue of Police Fleet Professional Magazine, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Pete Kingwill

Principal

Signal Business Group LLC

Police Fleet Professional Magazine

Police Fleet Expo

E: pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com

New Orleans & NOLA Motorsports Park To Host Police Fleet Expo (Aug 14-17, 2023)

Mark your calendar and attend the only show, dedicated exclusively to the police fleet market! Police Fleet Expo 2023 (PFE) is a 4-day, interactive meeting event, where manufacturers display and demonstrate their latest products and services… and attendees participate in training sessions and receive important one-on-one time to see new products and get fresh ideas that can make a real difference in their job (and their agency). DriveX, the ride & drive portion of the Expo, will take place on Monday, Aug 14th, at NOLA Motorsports Park. PFE attracts and brings together key buyers such as Police Fleet Managers, Fleet Directors, Police Chiefs, Upfitters and others responsible for the purchase of police vehicles and the products that can go on and in those vehicles (from emergency vehicle lighting to radios…and everything in-between). To learn more or register, click here www.policefleetexpo.com.

Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Homecoming Festival (July 13-16, Milwaukee, WI)

Harley-Davidson, a major US motorcycle manufacturer that sells its bikes worldwide and provides to law enforcement police motorcycles such as the Harley-Davidson® Police Electra Glide®, has announced a 4-day festival to celebrate their 120th Anniversary, July 13-16, in Milwaukee WI. Some of the biggest names in music will provide live performances at Veterans Park including Foo Fighters, Green Day, Cody Jinks, Social Distortion, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Phantogram, White Reaper and KennyHoopla… along with other family friendly activities. To learn more visit www.harley-davidson.com.

New Cameras Promise Better Views of LAPD Traffic Stops

The Los Angeles Police Department has begun to install new higher-definition video cameras in its patrol cars, part of an effort to vastly improve the clarity of the images and sounds recorded during officers’ encounters with the community. “The public in this day and age expects police departments to have cameras, it expects its police department to be transparent,” explained Deputy Chief John J. McMahon, who oversees the Information Technology Bureau. The new cameras capture a wide view of what’s happening in front of the patrol car, and at much higher resolution than previous systems. A second camera records anyone detained in the back seat of the car.

Safe Fleet Acquires Kerr Industries

Safe Fleet, a leading supplier of safety solutions for fleet vehicles, has extended its upfit capabilities to the law enforcement market with the acquisition of Kerr Industries and its subsidiaries including Crown North America, which are leading vehicle upfitters serving the emergency and law enforcement markets. Kerr and Crown are experts in upfitting specialty vehicles for emergency and law enforcement markets. With upfit locations in Toronto, Dallas, Detroit, and Chicago, they partner with OEMs and other quality automotive parts and accessories manufacturers to deliver vehicles that are ready for duty, on time and on budget. For over 70 years, Kerr and Crown have combined market-leading engineering, quality and innovation with best-in-class products and exceptional service to deliver cost-effective solutions to customers. For more information, visit www.kerrindustries.com and www.safefleet.net.

DHS Electric Vehicle Program Accelerates with Debut of First Fully Electric Law Enforcement Vehicle

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently became the first federal agency to debut a battery electric vehicle (EV) fitted for performing law enforcement functions at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers’ Office of Cheltenham Operations. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the first of a variety of EVs DHS plans to field across its varied law enforcement missions throughout the homeland. “DHS is leading the charge among federal agencies to transition its fleet vehicles from internal combustion engines to zero-emission electric vehicles. As the Nation’s third largest federal agency and largest law enforcement agency, DHS has an inventory of more than 50,000 vehicles, with law enforcement vehicles making up 60 percent of its fleet,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien. “DHS is proud to be the first Federal agency to upfit a battery electric vehicle for law enforcement use. As we ramp up EV adoption, we are excited to see how this and other EVs perform for our mission.” “DHS is proactively seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, EVs have the potential to significantly improve federal fleet efficiency and reduce vehicle operation and maintenance costs,” said Acting Under Secretary for Management R. D. “Tex” Alles. “DHS is also looking to create climate-resilient facilities and infrastructure, and to continue transitioning the DHS vehicle fleet towards electrification in the years to come.”

NYPD Is On Its Way To Becoming An All-SUV Fleet

Announcing the news before his retirement, deputy commissioner Robert Martinez called the transition to an all-SUV fleet… one of necessity and strategy. Ford, which has an $11.5 million, five-year contract with the department, has stopped making the “interceptor” sedans NYPD has used for years. Their replacement, a hybrid Ford Explorer SUV, will act as a placeholder until the city can take the 6,300-vehicle fleet fully electric with the Ford Mustang Mach-E…a small SUV that’s more like a station wagon (the city bought 185 Mach E-s in Dec 2021, but they have been buying hundreds of Explorers every year). The Explorer, technically the Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid, with its larger profile and considerable height, is better suited to the job than the traditional sedan, Martinez told the New York Daily News. New York isn’t alone…since 2017, more than half of all police vehicles sold in the U.S. are copcustomized Explorers. The country’s next-largest department, Chicago, has jumped on the oversize bandwagon, with Ford relocating a factory in the city to build the police Explorers.

Setina Celebrates 60 Years

Setina Manufacturing, a leading producer of law enforcement vehicle equipment for agencies worldwide, celebrates a big milestone…60 years of serving law enforcement. Founded in 1963 by John R. Setina, a Vehicle Repair Specialist with the Washington State Patrol, John recognized the need for officer protection while transporting prisoners, as well as the need to reinforce the vehicle in the event of an accident (the original police partition was born). Today, Terry Setina (President) and Judy Setina (Vice President) bring more than 30 years of experience as they oversee and manage an expanded product line which includes push bumpers, fender guards, police bike racks, skid plates, partitions, firearm mounting, transport seating, door guards, window barriers, cargo storage and K9. Congratulations Setina! For more information, visit www.setina.com.

Semtech Corp Acquires Sierra Wireless

Semtech Corp, a leading global supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms has acquired Sierra Wireless, Inc. a world-renowned Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider. This acquisition brings together two important technologies for the future of IoT – LoRa and cellular – to enable the digitization of the industrial world with a comprehensive chip-to-Cloud platform. Semtech expects the combination of Sierra Wireless’ cellular capabilities across its modules, gateways and managed connectivity together with Semtech’s LoRa-enabled end nodes to create a uniquely differentiated IoT portfolio which will enable a plethora of new IoT use cases to be conceived.

Gamber-Johnson Acquires Lind Electronics

Gamber-Johnson, LLC recently completed the acquisition of Lind Electronics. This follows the Gamber-Johnson acquisition of Premier Mounts of Corona, CA, in 2021. Gamber-Johnson is a leading worldwide supplier of rugged mounting solutions and cases that safely secure and protect mobile communication systems, computers and other electronic equipment in fleet and public safety vehicles, forklifts, semi-trucks and professional audiovisual applications. Gamber-Johnson’s products are used by law enforcement, enterprise, military and warehouse fleets around the globe. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Lind Electronics is a manufacturer and supplier of rugged mobile power solutions to the public safety, U.S. Military and warehousing industries. Lind’s product offering includes rugged mobile power adapters, battery chargers, USB adapters, shutdown timers and cabling. To learn more, visit www.gamberjohnson.com and www.lindelectronics.com.

YPD Will Get High-Tech New Vehicles With Green Racing Stripes, 360-Degree Cameras

The NYPD’s new car design is a full U-turn from its classic old cruiser. The Big Apple police will soon hit the road in hightech new SUVs featuring 360-degree cameras and flashy green racing-style stripes. “The NYPD RMP is iconic,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said, referencing the department’s so-called radio motor patrol vehicles, at the annual State of the NYPD address at Cipriani’s in Midtown. The NYPD’s signature white-and-blue rides have made plenty of cameos on movies and TV shows, she said “Yet even icons are due for an update and change every now and then.” The freshly made-over rides are expected to roll out in early 2024, as the NYPD gradually retires its fleet of aging vehicles. “We are exploring potential design changes as we speak,” Sewell said. The cars will feature three green racing-style stripes near the vehicle’s rear wheel along with stars near its front wheel, inspired by the NYPD’s 100-plus-year-old flag. They will also include revamped interiors “for a more efficient and comfortable work environment for all officers,” Sewell added.

anada’s First Electric RCMP Cruiser Arrives on Vancouver Island

The RCMP’s (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) first fully electric police cruiser has entered service in Langford, B.C. The shiny new Tesla Model Y was unveiled Tuesday and will be used by the West Shore RCMP on southern Vancouver Island. Mounties say the vehicle is expected to reduce carbon emissions and the cost of fuel and maintenance compared to standard police vehicles. According to the West Shore RCMP, the average cost of fuel and maintenance for one of their cruisers was $11,100 in 2020, with prices rising alongside inflation since then. The West Shore RCMP is expecting to receive two more electric vehicles later this year, including a Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV and Ford F-150 truck.

NYPD Will Get High-Tech New Vehicles With Green Racing Stripes, 360-Degree Cameras

The NYPD’s new car design is a full U-turn from its classic old cruiser. The Big Apple police will soon hit the road in hightech new SUVs featuring 360-degree cameras and flashy green racing-style stripes. “The NYPD RMP is iconic,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said, referencing the department’s so-called radio motor patrol vehicles, at the annual State of the NYPD address at Cipriani’s in Midtown. The NYPD’s signature white-and-blue rides have made plenty of cameos on movies and TV shows, she said “Yet even icons are due for an update and change every now and then.”

ACloser Look At The Ford P.I. Utility…The Fastest Police Car Of 2023

The fastest police car today is not what you might expect, and this car is everywhere. It is the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which is the best-selling Police vehicle in America. Because of the similarities between the Interceptor Utility EcoBoost and the Ford Explorer, many people confuse these two cars with each other. After all, on any given day, you might drive by a soccer mom picking up her kids from school in a Ford Explorer. So it might surprise you to know that the nearly identical-looking Ford P.I. Utility is the fastest car the American police force currently has on the road. While the modern police force also has cars like the Dodge Charger pursuit, it is the Ford Police Interceptor Utility with a whopping 148 mph top speed, which is the fastest police car today.

alifornia PD to Sublease Patrol Vehicles…Pointing To Savings

The Hanford, California, Police Department will sublease and upfit 11 pursuit-rated Dodge Durangos for its fleet. It will come at an estimated cost of $896,000 (according to the Hanford Setinel). Police staff explained that the sublease agreement between the city and Enterprise Fleet Management would reduce the need for major repairs when using older police vehicles, and will be more cost effective. Any new vehicles subleased under the agreement will be replaced within five years, but there will be a credit provided to the city for future subleases…if the car is replaced before the five-year lease expires.

ew Cameras Promise Better Views of LAPD Traffic Stops

The Los Angeles Police Department has begun to install new higher-definition video cameras in its patrol cars, part of an effort to vastly improve the clarity of the images and sounds recorded during officers’ encounters with the community. “The public in this day and age expects police departments to have cameras, it expects its police department to be transparent,” explained Deputy Chief John J. McMahon, who oversees the Information Technology Bureau. The new cameras capture a wide view of what’s happening in front of the patrol car, and at much higher resolution than previous systems. A second camera records anyone detained in the back seat of the car.