Police Fleet Professional Magazine - Fall 2023

FALL ISSUE 2023

HIGHLIGH T S

From PFE 2023

PLANNING YOUR NEXT VEHICLE UPFIT

Do-It-Yourself or Outsource?

MILLION DOLLAR DECISION

Timing Asset Replacement for Cost Efficiency

EV FINANCING

Federal Programs & Grants for EV Transition

Police laptops with powerful processors, ample storage, and reliable connectivity in the most remote or rural areas.

IN T HIS IS S UE

11 11

COVER STORY RUGGED LAPTOPS FOR POLICE VEHICLES

by Jennifer Gavigan

2

23

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PFE 2023

29

PLANNING YOUR NEXT VEHICLE UPFIT

32

TIMING ASSET REPLACEMENT FOR COST EFFICIENCY

37

EV FINANCING FEDERAL PROGRAMS & GRANTS

by Brad Brewer

by Cynthia Ross & Rick Longobart

by Jason Beaver & Eric Hansen

by Bob Crowe & Joann Cornier

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

RUGGED. RELIABLE. RESPONSIVE.

ADV ER T ISER ’S INDE X

CHEVY TAHOE SOLUTIONS CONSOLE BOXES PUSH BUMPERS WINDOW GUARDS GUN MOUNTS CARGO STORAGE

IN T HIS IS S UE

10 GAMBER JOHNSON www.GamberJohnson.com

G-MAX™ Justice

A leading supplier of rugged mounting systems that safely secure mobile communication systems, computers and other electronic equipment in fleet vehicles, public safety vehicles, forklifts and other mobility applications.

G-MAX™ Justice AW

SCAN HERE

TO CHECK OUT OUR FULL PRODUCT SELECTION FOR THE 2021+ CHEVY TAHOE

All-Season | High-Speed Pursuit

All-Weather | High-Speed Pursuit

LEARN MORE

39 GENERAL TIRE

WWW.GAMBERJOHNSON.COM

@gamberjohnson #GamberJohnson #RuggedReliableResponsive

GENERALTIRE.COM

www.GeneralTire.com

GT22_PoliceFleet_PrintAd_2.indd 1

The G-MAX™ Justice is a durable, all-season high-speed pursuit tire for law enforcement and government vehicles.

2/25/2022 6:24:24 PM

?

BLE TAP? 9mm

IVE A DOU

CK SURV

GUN LO CAN YOUR

28 INTERMOTIVE VEHICLE CONTROLS www.InterMotive.net

Providing commercial safety and performance optimization products… their plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its function in new ways. designed for any ™ Gun Racks are Jotto Desk ZRT Mounted, can imagine. Partition configuration you d or Free d, Rear Seat Mounte Single Cell Mounte Weapon Mounted – Single Hatch Rear Standing, and patents for was awarded two Desk Jotto 0, US Dual. or Patent No. 8,910,56 solutions (US these innovative No. 10,563,943).

2, and US Patent Patent No. 9,481,31 thwart not only to ed develop ogy was the SmartLok Technol that exists, but also hotwiring from l the theft potentia strike. or even a hammer threat from a magnet

14 JOTTO DESK

www.JottoPublicSafety.com

JOTT OPUB LICS

Ours Did.

Redefining the mobile workspace with a portfolio of high quality public safety equipment…a total solutions provider!

AFET Y.CO M

INTERMOTIVE VEHICLE

SC-929-5-K9

CONTROLS

WEAPON RETENTION

41 OWENS PRODUCTS

U.S. PATENT NO. 8,910,560 AND U.S. PATENT NO. 10,563,943

AFFORDABLE ADAPTABLE

06

www.OwensProducts.com

A dominant force in the automotive aftermarket with product lines of plastic, fiberglass and aluminum running boards, aluminum tool boxes, dog boxes, garage and trailer accessories as well as custom made products.

22 SANTA CRUZ GUNLOCKS

INDUSTRY NEWS

www.SantaCruzGunlocks.com

8 things you need to know

Proud provider of equipment (easy-to-use gunlocks and accessories) to the

law enforcement community for mounting and securing firearms.

Creating Safer Streets ORDERS GENERALLY SHIPPING WITHIN 24 HOURS! Creating Safer Streets

CELEBRATING

OF

EXCELLENCE

SPEED ENFORCEMENT TRAFFIC SAFETY

05 SETINA MANUFACTURING

450 Tyler Road • Webster, NH 03303 USA General phone: (603) 746-7740 • Order phone: (800) 847-5428 • Fax: (603) 746-7764

www.Setina.com

E-mail: info@santacruzgunlocks.com • Web: www.santacruzgunlocks.com

Extensive line of products providing law enforcement with a vehicle upfitting solutions. From full to mid-size SUVS, Cars, Trucks and Vans, Setina has products for all police vehicles.

Street Dynamics Unequaled Performance & Seamless Designs Web Portal Inspired By Our commitment To Law Enforcement.

RADAR

07 STALKER DYNAMICS

• Industry-Leading Police Radar Firearm Mounts Radar Speed Signs

Rear Cargo Storage

Partitions & Seating

LIDAR

• Industry-Leading range and accuracy

www.StreetDynamics.com

Range of radar speed signs, message signs, and speed trailers proven to slow down traffic, create safer and more enjoyable communities, and save lives.

09 STALKER RADAR Series 87 Switchable www.StalkerRadar.com High-Amp Circuit Breakers Premier source for hand-held radar guns, dash-mount radar, police lidar Messaging Signs

guns and traffic photo enforcement equipment.

from Mechanical Products StalkerRadar.com StreetDynamics.com

36 TUFLOC

Mechanical Products Series 87 High-Amp Switchable Circuit Breakers are ideal for police and emergency vehicles. Capable of handling loads up to 200 amps with a voltage rating of up to 48VDC, they ensure proper functioning of the most demanding electrical applications and onboard electronics.

• Cost-effective solution designed as a drop-in replacement to other manufacturers • Compact and rugged • Switchable design enables quick and easy resetting • Multiple mounting options

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT PFE 2023 IN NEW ORLEANS!

In Stock and Ready to Ship!

Precision-built gun security and gun safety solutions for professional and residential use. Their high-quality product line includes a full range of secure gun storage options…including lockboxes, gun racks, security drawers and gun lockers.

21 WAYTEK INC.

CHECK OUT WHELEN.COM/CLOUD TO LEARN HOW TO KEEP YOUR FLEET UP-TO-DATE AND SAFE

For more information visit www.waytekwire.com/Series87

42

www.Tufloc.com

www.WaytekWire.com

Customer-driven distributor of automotive wire and DC electrical components serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), wire harness manufacturers, and upfitters across North America.

www.waytekwire.com | 800-328-2724 | sales@waytekwire.com

WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT 7 products just hit the market YEAR IN TEXAS!

FEATURED PRODUCTS

WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. 51 Winthrop Road Chester, Connecticut 06412

27 WHELEN ENGINEERING CO INC. www.Whelen.com/Cloud

Whelen designs and manufactures reliable and powerful warning lights, white illumination lighting, sirens, controllers, and high-powered warning systems for the Automotive industry (and other industries, worldwide).

www.whelen.com @WhelenENG

3

MAST HEAD

Police Fleet Professional is an industry leading digital publication, distributed to keep fleet professionals in public safety.

Police Fleet Professional is a digital publication distributed quarterly by Signal Business Group LLC. Signal Business Group is a business-to-business media company serving law enforcement and public safety, connecting key buyers and sellers through digital products, print products, webinars, streaming platforms, focus groups, and trade show engagements (including education, networking activities and events).

In 2022, Signal Business Group acquired Hendon Media Group and all of its assets, including Police Fleet Expo, magazines, databases, newsletters, websites, and more.

Company Information Signal Business Group, LLC PO Box 3157 Bluffton, SC 29910-3157 www.signalbusinessgroup.com 4

Owner/Group Publisher

Social Media Manager

Editorial Directors

Website Design/Management

Pete Kingwill Meghan McDade pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com mmcdade@signalbusinesgroup.com

Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com

Michaeltz Zwief, Ltd.

Pete Kingwill Magazine Design/Layout pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com Jennie Marvin Digital Mountain Creative, LLC digitalmtncreative@outlook.com

Contributing Writers

Brad Brewer bbrewer@signalbusinessgroup.com Jen Gavigan jengavigan@comcast.net

Police Fleet Expo Trade Show Director

Lisa McDade lmcdade@signalbusinessgroup.com

Police Fleet Expo Trade Show Management

Lisa McDade lmcdade@signalbusinessgroup.com

Contact Info

Pete Kingwill Owner/Pricipal pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com 224-458-1120 Lisa McDade Trade Show Director lmcdade@signalbusinessgroup.com 847-922-9371 Kirk Moen National Director kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com 608-770-6364

Meghan McDade Pete Kingwill Social Media Manager pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com mmcdade@signalbusinessgroup.com Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com

Advertising & Booth Sales

Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com

NEW

Website Coming Soon

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

CELEBRATING

OF

EXCELLENCE

Unequaled Performance & Seamless Designs Inspired By Our commitment To Law Enforcement.

Rear Cargo Storage

Partitions & Seating

Firearm Mounts

5

IN DUST RY N EWS

NEWS Jotto Desk Awarded Utility Patent for Defend IR Security System Jotto Desk, a brand line of Assembled Products Corporation and a premier manufacturer of law enforcement vehicle equipment…recently announced that they have been issued Utility Patent No. 11,745,699 for the Defend IR Security System. “Over the years, we have worked closely with our Law Enforcement, Fleet Management and Distribution Partners to best understand the current weaknesses and their future needs in regard to weapon security” said Curt Hatton, SVP of Sales & Marketing for Jotto Desk. “Once we realized most police vehicles do not come with a car alarm and even then, aftermarket alarms are generally ignored, we began the process of designing a solution for the issue of someone breaking into a patrol vehicle and having all the time in the world to steal the rifle. The Defend IR Security System utilizes the intelligent light/siren controller already in most vehicles and our PIR sensor to cloak the interior of the vehicle with a protective eye. Should an unauthorized individual (someone without the vehicle key) enter the passenger compartment, they have 10 seconds until the Defend IR wakes up the controller and turns on the lights and siren, sending the criminal scrambling and providing peace of mind that a broken window doesn’t mean stolen weapons.” The Defend IR Security System has been patent pending for several years and over those years, Jotto Desk has been outfitting city, county, and state agencies with the Defend IR, in order to help reduce the time available to steal a weapon and subsequently protecting weapons daily. For more information, you can visit their website at www.jottopublicsafety.com.

K-9 Officers Die in Hot Police Vehicles Over the past few months, two K-9 officers died in hot cars. K-9 Officer Chase (Cobb County Police Department, GA) died after the air conditioner inside the patrol car his handler left him in (during a training exercise) malfunctioned. The department says K-9 Officer Chase succumbed to heat-related injuries and the handler was not at fault. K-9 Officer Aron (Houston Police Department, TX) also died in a similar incident…the engine stalled causing the A/C to stop cooling and the heat detection system malfunctioned as well. Both departments have confirmed that all vehicles, used to transport K-9’s, have been inspected to ensure that all systems are working properly. If your department is looking to purchase or replace a heat alert system for your police vehicles, here are a couple of manufacturers you can check out: K9 Heat Alarm Pro from AceK9 https://www.acek9.com/heatalarmpro and K9 Heat Alert Systems from Ray Allen Manufacturing https://www.rayallen.com/vehicle/vehiclesystems/heat-alert-systems/ 6

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

Creating Safer Streets TRAFFIC SAFETY

Street Dynamics Web Portal

Michigan State Police Testing Completes Annual Testing at Grattan Raceway The annual MSP testing took take place in September at Grattan Raceway in Belding, MI (30 miles east of Grand Rapids, MI). The two-mile road course provided a realistic environment to test police vehicles and motorcycles and compile data on durability, performance, acceleration, braking and vehicle dynamics. Off-course, vehicles were analyzed for ergonomics, radio frequency interference and fuel economy. Ford Pro, GM Envolve, Dodge Law (as well as a couple of motorcycle manufacturers) provided upcoming model year vehicles to be tested for suitability in their respective operations and validate the manufacturer’s engineering efforts in building a car capable of handling the stress associated with police pursuits. The test results will be published by the Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit in November 2023 (the results will be covered, in detail, in Police Fleet Professional Magazine).

To view past test results, you can click here: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/training/ precision-driving-unit/police-vehicle-test-results

Radar Speed Signs

Messaging Signs

StreetDynamics.com 7

IN DUST RY N EWS

Fleet of Six Somerset County Police Cruisers Wrapped in Pink, In Early October, To Support Breast Cancer Awareness (Somerville, NJ)

Six police cruisers wrapped in pink were parked on the lawn in front of the Historic Somerset Courthouse on East Main Street, in early October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The vehicles are available, within their respective jurisdictions, for the public to sign and take photographs. Each of the vehicles is trimmed out with a QR code which enables anyone with a mobile device to swipe and make an appointment for a mammogram at RWJUH/Somerset. The six vehicles will be utilized for community engagement throughout Somerset County during the month of October.

Participating police agencies include the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Far Hills Police Department, Hillsborough Police Department, Peapack-Gladstone Police Department, and Branchburg Township Police. Supporting the initiative are Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Steeplechase Cancer Center, the Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Open Road Auto Group, and the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, all of whom funded the wrapping of the pink police vehicles.

Tesla Added to North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Procurement Bid Program The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) is offering a new electric vehicle maker to its vehicle and motorcycle procurement cooperative bid program for 2023-2024…Tesla. Tesla models have proven a popular choice for law enforcement agencies and general government fleet duties. NCSA Business Development Director, Jason Bennett said that the association reached out to Tesla for its Vehicle Procurement Program due to the increased demand of electric and hybrid options to local government fleets within North Carolina. The two models available for ordering through NCSA’s program are: Tesla Model 3 (compact car, which has up to 333 miles of estimated range Tesla Model Y (small crossover SUV, which has up to 330 miles of estimated range) Per local governing purchasing ordinances, local government agencies must participate in a bidding process for items over a certain monetary limit. While this limit ranges by local government agency, due to their cost, vehicles will always require a bidding process to ensure the government agency is procuring the vehicles at the most reasonable and available cost.

Police Fleet Expo 2024…Save The Date

Go Rhino…Acquired By RealTruck Inc

Signal Business Group is moving full steam ahead with their plans for Police Fleet Expo 2024 (PFE). The show dates are August 12-15th, 2024, in the great city of Fort Worth, TX. The beautiful Omni Fort Hotel has been selected as the host hotel and the Fort Worth Convention Center will facilitate the expo. Registration will open soon.

RealTruck, Inc., the manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and an online destination for truck, Jeep® and off-road enthusiasts…has acquired IDDEA, which goes to market under the Go Rhino brand. Currently, Go Rhino holds 40 issued and pending patents for truck, Jeep and SUV owners. Their most notable automotive accessories include side steps and running boards in nearly 20 styles, sports bars for modern trucks, hitch steps, bumpers, and products for public safety vehicles, as well as an extensive program of Bronco®specific accessories. For over 40 years, Go Rhino’s products have been designed to deliver the right combination of fit, function and style. The acquisition strengthens RealTruck’s existing portfolio of brands spanning truck bed covers, truck bed liners, steps, floor liners, fender flares, vent visors and cargo management. For more information on Go Rhino, visit https://publicsafety.gorhino.com.

2024 is the 20th Anniversary of PFE! Police Fleet Expo is a 4 day interactive conference & expo which offers DriveX (a ride & drive event), networking opportunities, educational sessions and an expo… providing exhibitors and attendees with some great one-on-one time.

The show attracts key buyers and influencers in law enforcement such as Police Fleet Managers, Directors, Police Chiefs, Upfitters and others responsible for the purchase of police vehicles as well as the many ancillary components that go on and in the vehicles.

8

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

Creating Safer Streets SPEED ENFORCEMENT

Police Sergeant Says He’s Thankful To Be Alive After Suspect Crashes Head-On Into Cruiser

RADAR

A Florida police sergeant believes God saved him for a reason… after he was seriously injured in a head-on crash with a hit-andrun suspect. Newly released dashcam video shows the terrifying moments that changed Ocala Police Sgt. Ron Malone’s life forever.

Police say a hit-and-run suspect intentionally slammed into Malone’s police cruiser on Aug. 26, 2023. The suspect, who police say was going more than 90 miles per hour, was running away from officers after he allegedly hit a pedestrian, killing him, and another patrol car. “They were going so fast I never had a chance,” Malone said. The impact killed the suspect driving the other car and seriously injured Malone, who spent 17 days in the hospital. He suffered tears in his knee and shoulder, a hip injury and seven broken ribs. “I think the way my wheels were placed and the way I parked and the way I’m trained at the department, that was a critical part of me making it,” Malone said.

• Industry-Leading Police Radar

LIDAR • Industry-Leading range and accuracy

While the incident weighs heavily on him, Malone also believes God saved him that night for a reason. “I ask myself that: ‘What is the reason?’ I’m not going to be able to answer that, but whatever it is, you can rest assured I’ll give it 100%. I’m here,” he said. Malone says his heart goes out to the family of 26-year-old James Thompson Jr., the pedestrian killed in the earlier crash, and he is praying for them.

Malone is not sure when he’ll be able to return to work, but he said the sooner, the better. He has been with the police department for 15 years. https://www.live5news.com/2023/09/28/police-sergeant-thankfulhes-alive-after-suspect-crashes-head-on-into-cruiser/

StalkerRadar.com 9

SINGLE SKU POLICE CAR BUNDLE INCLUDES:

2020+ Ford Police Interceptor® Utility

CONSOLE BOX WINDOW BARS CARGO PARTITION PASSENGER PARTITION TRUNK TRAY GUN MOUNT PUSH BUMPER & MORE SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

@gamberjohnson #GamberJohnson

WWW.GAMBERJOHNSON.COM 10

Gamber-Johnson is proud to now offer you a comprehensive and convenient vehicle solution in one single sku. The Single Sku Police Car bundle reduces product lead times by eliminating the need for multiple orders making it easier than ever to acquire all equipment needed to complete a large install.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

COVER STORY

by Jennifer Gavigan (Police Fleet Professional Staff)

Police officers need immediate access to critical information in order to do their jobs effectively.

That is why patrol vehicles are equipped with mobile computers, or rugged laptops for use in the car or out in the field. A reliable laptop allows officers to access and share information quickly while on patrol, aiding in investigations, apprehension of suspects, as well as interactions with community members. Today’s law enforcement equipment and technology must also be extremely durable to withstand the harshest conditions. Police laptops need powerful processors, ample storage, and reliable connectivity in the most remote or rural areas.

Police officers need mobile devices that have the same operating system, features, and Internet access as a desktop PC—but without having to go back to the station. Mobile computing devices have changed over the years as technology advances. Gone are the days of bulky monitors connected to a computer in the trunk. Slim, sleek devices in a wide range of screen sizes are mounted in various ways to maximize officer safety. From rapid response to real-time data access, in-vehicle computing offers unparalleled advantages for situational awareness. Following are a few of the latest rugged laptop offerings from some of the leading companies in mobile computing.

11

COVER STORY

www.Brite.com/Getac-MDTs Brite is currently partnering with Getac to offer police agencies many rugged computer options and solutions.

The form factor of computing devices revolves around how officers plan to utilize the device in the field. Computing options include laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s, each with its own purpose. Laptops are often ideal for those desiring a single device for officer use in the vehicle and in the office. Tablets are gaining favor as a device that can be used both in and out of the vehicle during patrol. 2-in-1s take it a step further, providing the best of both worlds. Once the officer use case is confirmed, screen size is the next consideration. Getac’s Windows-capable devices range from as small as 8.1 inches to as large as 14 inches. The wide variety of sizes makes it easy to find the right unit to accommodate technology needs and in-vehicle space requirements.

Rugged or Vehicle Rugged?

The goal of in-vehicle computers is to increase the efficiency and safety of users and enable them to be in the field for longer periods. For law enforcement, this enhances community presence. The more flexible a device is, the easier it is to fit into the use case.

As devices have evolved in size and rugged options, they have also decreased in weight. Now fully rugged tablets are lightweight, allowing the users to remove the devices from the vehicle to respond to incidents. Report notes, images, and other details can be captured directly on the PC at the scene, saving transcribing time and/or the need to return to HQ. Not everyone needs a fully rugged computer. If the device will only be used in the vehicle, why does it need to withstand 2 inches of rain per hour, full submersion, or a 6-foot drop onto concrete? In these situations, fleets may consider a vehicle-rugged device. Vehicle-rugged PCs are still able to withstand wide ranges of temperatures, vibrations, and 12

heavy use—many of the necessary specifications to withstand the challenging patrol environment. These slightly less rugged devices often come at a lower price point, making them a budget-friendly option for the right conditions.

Dual Hot-Swappable Batteries

The dreaded low battery alert is a thing of the past with the advent of dual hot-swappable batteries. The new battery system greatly improves battery time and reduces downtime required for charging. Without turning off the device, a new fully charged battery can replace a depleted one. Swappable batteries are stored in battery charging bays to ensure a fully charged supply.

Sunlight Readable Display

Public safety officials don’t have the option to close the blinds in bright light when they are on the road or on-scene. The screen needs to be readable under any and all conditions. This is why Getac has developed the LumiBond sunlight-readable touchscreen display that enhances viewing even in the toughest conditions.

Integrated Features

Years ago, people often carried a cell phone, a digital camera, and a wallet. Now, that is all integrated into a single smartphone. Mobile computers have evolved to include these same features. The advances in technology, improvements in computing power, and changes in form factor have lent itself to flexible platforms that can be customized to include Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

Integrated 5G Connectivity & FirstNet

5G has taken the public safety scene by storm.

Officers on patrol need fast and reliable information to make informed decisions. The quicker information can be delivered, the faster they are able to respond. Integrated 5G is a critical addition that enables officers to utilize faster connections and lower latency. Additionally, the integration of FirstNet capable networks ensures connectivity in critical situations when it is needed most.

Integrated Barcode Reader

Barcodes are everywhere. The simple lines provide a vast array of information to public safety officials from personal information to vehicle information. Scanning barcodes is a simple way to quickly gather data while removing input errors. Instead of having a separate device in the car for scanning (and a second device to manage), barcode readers can be integrated into many popular Getac models.

CJIS Compliant Fingerprint Reader

Data security is critical for any agency, especially when in the field. An easy first line of defense against unwanted access to data on a computer in the vehicle is a highend fingerprint reader. For public safety, that means a CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) compliant reader that ensures fidelity in the print identification. Not only does this increase security, it simplifies device access with the swipe of a finger.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Integrated GPS provides a variety of advantages to both the person in the vehicle and those back at HQ. Brite helps customers determine the best location for the GPS

COVER STORY

traditionally separate tools. Here are some of the most commonly integrated features:

system. Modern public safety computers allow for integrated GPS within the device. GPS has many benefits, including operational efficiency of officer dispatch, the ability to feed accurate location information to other connected systems like ticketing and scene images, and critical voiceless communication.

No-Fault, Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

Many officers have experienced the blame game when trying to get something covered under warranty. Did it get exposed to moisture from a spill? Was it dropped? Restrictive warranty support is a relic of the past with Getac’s bumper-tobumper warranty. The standard 3-year or optional 5-year warranty covers everything. The best part is that the device is returned in 2.3 days on average thanks to the centralized repair hub in Memphis, TN. The entire warranty process is easily managed through a simple 24/7 online portal, from entry to status updates.

Mounting Options

Brite has experience mounting devices in everything from police cruisers, EMS vehicles, and fire apparatuses to boats and motorcycles.

For a computer to work for an agency or officer, it needs to work within the vehicle. That is why Brite ensures that the devices offered can be mounted in a variety of ways including dash mounts, swing-aways, and pedestal mounts.

The mount is just as critical as the device when designing the in-vehicle setup.

Technology changes fast, so staying abreast of the latest advancements is critical when planning a refresh. The average lifespan of a patrol computer is approximately five years. Investment in the latest technology now will ensure the longevity of the platform, even as it approaches end of life.

Additionally, plan for the unexpected with an extensive no-fault warranty to keep vehicles and their technology in the field.

13

CAN

A E V I V R OCK SU

L N U G YOUR

? ?

P A T E DOUBL

9mm

for any ks are designed ac R un G T ZR ed, Jotto Desk Partition Mount e. in ag im n ca u configuration yo or Free r Seat Mounted ea R , ed nt ou M Single Cell – Single Weapon ed nt ou M ch at H ear Standing, and R ts for arded two paten aw as w k es D or Dual. Jotto 0,560, US Patent No. 8,91 US ( s on ti solu these innovative ,563,943). ™

2, and US Patent

31 Patent No. 9,481,

No. 10

not only veloped to thwart de as w gy lo no ch e SmartLok Te exists, but also th at th ng iri tw ho m l fro the theft potentia er strike. t or even a hamm ne ag m a m fro at thre

A J O T T O P U B L IC S

F E T Y.C O M

. d i D s r u O U.S. PATENT NO. 8,910,560 AND U.S. PATENT NO. 10,563,943 14

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

COVER STORY

www.dell.com/en-us/blog/newdell-latitude-rugged-extreme-tabletportability-without-compromise/ The new Dell Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet is the world’s lightest 10-inch fully rugged Windows tablet. Featuring a robust ecosystem of accessories and hot-swappable batteries for extended performance, the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet was designed for workers who spend most of their time away from a desk, including police officers.

Marrying durability and mobility, the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet is Dell’s most portable fully rugged tablet. Its lightweight 2.2-pound chassis and convenient accessories mean the tablet won’t feel unwieldy, so officers get relief at the scene of an accident or other sites.

Last year, Dell launched the Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet, a 12-inch fully rugged slate that shares key performance, security, connectivity, and durability features with the 7030 Rugged Extreme.

The new 10-inch model is a companion to its larger sibling. While the 12-inch tablet performs well on short commutes or during hours-long shifts, the 10inch slate offers all-day mobility.

Swappable Batteries

When portability is a priority, first responders must keep their systems powered without interruption.

That’s why Dell engineered the 7030 Rugged Extreme with a dual hot-swappable battery option as an alternative to the 36Whr internal battery. Those who choose this feature can easily pop in two additional batteries to keep the tablet powered for long days or nights in the field.

Durability and Security

The 7030 Rugged Extreme boasts IP-65 and MIL-STD

810 ratings to survive the most extreme conditions.

Military-grade spec means the new Latitude is droptested from up to 4 feet and temperature-tested from -20 F to 145 F. An IP-65 rating means maximum protection from dust, dirt, and water ingress to give officers peace of mind that their tablets—and the sensitive data housed within—survive intense weather environments.

Dell equipped this fully rugged tablet with modern security features to ensure it is as safe from cyber threats as it is from environmental ones. Its TPM 2.0 ControlVault is a hardware-based encryption tool that helps users secure data with integrated encryption.

An infrared camera for Microsoft Windows Hellobased facial recognition, a touch fingerprint reader, camera privacy shutters, and a contacted or contactless smartcard reader round out the security options.

Powerful Performance and Modern Features

The 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet comes equipped with up to a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor, integrated Iris® Xe® graphics on i5 and i7 configurations, and up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory for powerful performance on the go. Officers don’t need to worry about running out of space, because the 7030 Rugged Extreme supports up to a 2TB NVMe SSD. Robust connectivity options can be as important as strong performance. The 7030 Rugged Extreme supports Wi-Fi 6E with dual broadband to help ensure users get the fastest possible speeds. The 7030 Rugged Extreme also comes with GPS and 5G, and 15

COVER STORY

even supports 5G Private Network for improvements in security, speed, and wireless range.

Real-time data is viewed on the 7030 Rugged Extreme’s 10.1-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display, which has a 16:10 aspect ratio that maximizes screen real estate. No need to look for shade, because the panel can reach 1,000 nits, making it visible even in direct sunlight. Plus, those who work with harsh chemicals or dangerous equipment can stay protected with the 7030’s glove-touch capability.

Purpose-Built Accessories

While the 7030 Rugged Extreme can accommodate a range of diverse tasks, its Dell-branded accessories are purpose-built to tackle specific demands. Here are a few highlights:

Rigid handle and passive stylus: This

pairing gives users a grip for carrying the 7030 Rugged Extreme and a passive stylus for greater precision when writing or drawing. The handle conveniently stores the pen and has a rubber mold and rigid polymer structure. The passive stylus can also be purchased separately.

The versatility of these accessories extends to the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet’s configurable ports, which can be customized with a barcode scanner, RJ-45, universal audio jack, or USB-A. Dell built the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet to adapt to various industries, which is why it also features two hardware buttons that can be programmed in the Rugged Control Center application.

The 7030 Rugged Extreme will be available globally later this year, with pricing announced closer to shipping. For agencies deploying rugged devices at scale, fleets of tablets can be seamlessly deployed, managed, and secured over the cloud, with additional support through enterprise services such as next-business-day on-site support and predictive ProSupport tools. By going with Dell, agencies have a one-stop shop for all of their commercial needs, be that PCs, workstations, rugged devices, monitors, servers, and even services—with reassurance they can scale to specific needs.

Detachable keyboard: Convert the 7030 Rugged Extreme into a 2-in-1 with the IP-65-rated detachable RGB backlit keyboard that easily locks into place. Once attached, the tablet can be propped upright for standard “laptop” mode or folded 180 degrees.

Rotating hand strap: A

360-degree rotating hand strap allows users to comfortably secure the tablet to their wrist for use in static or mobile environments.

The strap attaches to a 50×50 VESA mount and includes a convenient place to store the stylus.

16

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

COVER STORY

na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets Panasonic Connect offers a full portfolio of rugged laptops and support solutions designed specifically for the modern police agency. The solutions meet law enforcement’s unique mobility needs, and help officers do their jobs safely, efficiently, and confidently.

Consumer devices or “bring your own device” (BYOD) programs can introduce a whole different set of challenges for law enforcement. Not only do these devices pose potential security risks, but they’re also difficult for agencies to manage and monitor and may require additional user training about threat and risk reduction.

Generally speaking, consumer-grade and BYOD devices: • Have limited appeal for the next generation of recruits • Don’t handle drops and impacts well • Often lack customizability in features and add-ons • Typically have subpar speech recognition capabilities • Can’t be mounted securely • May not be compliant with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements Police laptops require these essential features and more, as these rugged devices play a crucial role in fieldwork. That’s why many law enforcement agencies use Panasonic TOUGHBOOK® rugged laptops to support officers with more efficient and flexible workflows. By deploying TOUGHBOOK law enforcement solutions, officers can streamline tasks and spend more time interacting with their communities.

Mobile Device Management

Law enforcement agencies often turn to mobile device management (MDM) solutions to manage and secure police laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The use of MDM continues to grow in popularity among law enforcement agencies because it offers the capability to track device usage and health, enforce device security policies, and manage the applications present on devices.

As essential components in any law enforcement tech stack, rugged mobile computers enable officers to perform their duties effectively and securely from any location. Through MDM, law enforcement data remains secure and devices are always up to date to ensure CJIS compliance. Additionally, leveraging MDM capabilities as an end-to-end solution for deploying, monitoring, and managing rugged field devices frees up a department’s IT staff to focus on higher-value activities.

With enterprise mobility solutions like Panasonic Connect’s Professional Services support and Smart Essentials services, law enforcement agencies gain features that augment the data and capabilities of an MDM solution, gaining real-time data about usage, location, errors, and more. With this information at 17

COVER STORY

their fingertips, agencies ensure that devices always operate reliably out in the field where officers need them most.

Real-Time Communications and Compatibility

Through better police computers and other law enforcement technology solutions, officers gain real-time communication and other capabilities. This ultimately helps departments: • Transform officer data input with xPAK and barcode reader technology.

• Ensure only authorized access to CJIS data with endpoint security software.

• Boost officer productivity with intelligent technology.

Mobile law enforcement technology has the power to revolutionize police work. Using rugged mobile police computers, officers get the data they need to prepare themselves, respond to incidents and emergencies faster, and provide the public with the accountability that it demands.

Speech Recognition Technology

The time spent on incident reporting can significantly impact productivity and efficiency, so much so that 45 percent of respondents to a Nuance survey reported writing and filing incident reports as the most significant drain on productivity. A single incident report can take up to two hours to process.

This causes officers to spend significant time behind a desk at the station instead of face-to-face with the community. Advancements in voice-powered technology are solving this challenge by giving officers a path to easier, more streamlined incident reporting using a police laptop in the field.

Collaboration between police departments and individual officers is essential for effective law enforcement. Working together, departments share resources and information, cover more ground, and operate more efficiently. Successful execution of collaborative programs requires up-to-date police technology, including cloud software, mobile

18

devices for officers in the field, reliable broadband connectivity, and voice-to-text.

Here are some of the ways law enforcement technology supports effective collaboration for officers: • Cloud applications facilitate data sharing across departments.

• Rugged, smart mobile devices enable fast communications between officers.

• Voice-to-text can greatly reduce the burden of administrative tasks.

Connectivity is crucial in a police vehicle, at the scene of an accident or at a crime scene.

Officers need a police laptop that grants them immediate access to criminal records, warrants, vehicle information, and call history to effectively respond to a situation. By using laptops to access databases on the go, officers can retrieve crucial information in real time while en route or on scene. This also helps reduce time spent on laborintensive, follow-up paperwork after an incident.

To augment existing officer resources available, many law enforcement agencies are turning to new technologies like Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), fingerprint readers, and voice-to-text technology.

These technologies are giving police officers fast access to the critical data they need to do their jobs effectively.

As law enforcement agencies evolve practices and procedures, one thing is clear: Advanced technology and connectivity will shape their decisions around mobile technology and police laptop selection and adoption as they develop operational plans for the future. Looking ahead, more agencies will leverage advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR) to further accelerate remote work capabilities and training. As software continues its migration to the cloud, officers will be able to gather, record, and share real-time data from and between practically any device.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

COVER STORY

www.zebra.com/us/en/products/ tablets/et8x-serieshtml Zebra’s ET80 and ET85 Rugged Windows OS Tablets are available as a standalone tablet, or with a detachable friction hinge keyboard to provide a true 2-in-1 experience to offer the flexibility an agency demands. It was designed and built for first responders who have demanding field requirements in mind. It is thin and lightweight, with a long battery life, yet rugged for extreme conditions to work wherever and whenever they do. Officers can take it with them in their vehicle, out in the field, or at the station. Models with WiFi 6E and 5G are available now. Agencies can take collaboration and productivity to the next level with Zebra OneCare, 24/7 support services.

ET80/ET85 tablets are built to withstand extreme conditions, yet they are thinner and lighter than other 2-in-1 rugged tablets on the market in its class.

They adapt to different ways of working—moving from the field to a vehicle to inside a facility. These tablets transform to a fixed or mobile workstation at any location to best meet an agency’s needs.

With advanced wireless connections, users get the fastest WiFi and cellular speeds, support for WiFi 6E, and 5G or 4G included. Urgencies happen with regularity for first responders, so they must rely on a tablet that’s as tough as their environment with military-grade ruggedness. The ET80/ET85 is built to perform in extreme conditions, so users can worry less about their equipment and stay focused on the moments that matter. The ET80/ET85 series has a long battery life, it can withstand extreme temperature ranges, it is MIL-Spec rated for drops

and vibration, and is IP-rated for water and dust ingress.

ET6x Series Tablets

ZZebra’s new ET60 and ET65 series of tablets allow users to effortlessly maximize productivity and efficiency because they deliver more features, more power, more security, more ruggedness, and more versatility. Designed for work, the ET60 WiFi and ET65 WiFi and cellular enterprise tablets are ready for the most demanding environments. These flexible tablets can be whatever users need them to be—a tablet, a laptop, and a vehicle-mounted mobile data computer. They are loaded with features that help get the job done faster and more efficiently.

These tablets pass more real-world tests than any other tablet in their class. They’re drop-tested to concrete, dustproof, freezer-proof, rated for hosedowns, ready for all the elements including rain, snow, and ice. Additional tests that make these

19

COVER STORY

sale, officers can count on the support they need every day their tablets are in use.

Users can choose their screen size; the 8-inch or the 10-inch for easy viewing of information-rich apps.

Other features include: tablets even more rugged include thermal shock, heavy exposure to sunlight, and an impact test on the touchscreen.

5G and WiFi 6E provide the fastest cellular and WiFi speeds available. Support for private 5G and Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) 4G/LTE enables superior wireless connectivity, application performance, and security in expansive indoor and outdoor areas for a fraction of the time and cost required to deploy WiFi. Zebra Mobility DNA is a suite of enterprise solutions designed to help maximize mobile user productivity and minimize IT complexities over the lifespan of a Zebra device. Their secure solutions help support every stage of a device’s lifecycle, simplifying device lifecycle management and lowering total cost of ownership.

ET40/ET45 Tablets

Consumer-grade tablets might appear to be a costeffective option for agencies because the price is low. But without the right features, savings can quickly turn into substantial hidden costs—needing to purchase a case to increase durability, a scanner for intense scanning tasks, and managing more frequent device replacements. The ET40/ET45 is the right-priced rugged enterprise tablet with all the features first responders need on the job.

The ET4X Series tablets are built to last, from the inside out. Drop it, use it in subzero temperatures, hose it off—and it still works. The exact same device will be available for three years, eliminating mixeddevice deployments that are more time-consuming and costly to support. Since Zebra’s optional OneCare Essential and Select support services are available for a full six years from the initial date of 20

• Capture barcodes in any condition with the integrated enterprise-class scanner.

• Take ultra-detailed photos with the highresolution rear camera.

• Enable video calls for better collaboration with the integrated front camera.

• Boost productivity with the latest and fastest wireless connections—including WiFi 6 and 5G. Power shift after shift with the optional hot-swappable secondary battery.

• Create a mobile point of sale (POS) with innovative payment solutions.

Get a built-in advantage with complimentary Zebra Mobility DNA Professional tools that make every aspect of owning these tablets easier: • Enter barcodes into apps without any programming.

• Control which GMS services and apps are available.

• Easily troubleshoot tablets—test all main systems with the press of a button and collect targeted diagnostics.

• Automatically enable enterprise mobility management (EMM) support for every feature in your tablet for easy device management.

• Boost device security and more by adding features to Android.

• Unlock more tools to boost workforce productivity with optional Mobility DNA Enterprise.

Zebra Mobility DNA is a suite of enterprise solutions designed to help maximize mobile user productivity and minimize IT complexities over the lifespan of a Zebra device. Their secure solutions help support every stage of a device’s lifecycle, simplifying device management and lowering total cost of ownership.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

Series 87 Switchable High-Amp Circuit Breakers from Mechanical Products

Mechanical Products Series 87 High-Amp Switchable Circuit Breakers are ideal for police and emergency vehicles. Capable of handling loads up to 200 amps with a voltage rating of up to 48VDC, they ensure proper functioning of the most demanding electrical applications and onboard electronics.

• Cost-effective solution designed as a drop-in replacement to other manufacturers • Compact and rugged • Switchable design enables quick and easy resetting • Multiple mounting options

In Stock and Ready to Ship!

For more information visit www.waytekwire.com/Series87

www.waytekwire.com | 800-328-2724 | sales@waytekwire.com

21

SC-929-5-K9 WEAPON RETENTION

AFFORDABLE ADAPTABLE

ORDERS GENERALLY SHIPPING WITHIN 24 HOURS!

450 Tyler Road • Webster, NH 03303 USA General phone: (603) 746-7740 • Order phone: (800) 847-5428 • Fax: (603) 746-7764 22

E-mail: info@santacruzgunlocks.com • Web: www.santacruzgunlocks.com

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

by Brad Brewer (Police Fleet Professional Staff) Another successful Police Fleet Expo (PFE) is now in the record books! In August 2023, the only Expo that brings together the largest group of police fleet professionals with vehicle and equipment manufacturers and suppliers hosted a memorable fourday event in New Orleans, LA, which included a track day (DriveX), fleet management training sessions, and a crowded trade show floor.

Attendance was up significantly, reaching near-record levels (the third highest gathering of police fleet professionals in 19 years).

DriveX, the popular ride-and-drive exercise (sponsored by GM Envolve, Ford Pro, and Dodge Law) kicked off the first day. Located just 15 minutes outside of New Orleans, the beautiful NOLA Motorsports Park hosted a road course, an off-road course, and a skid pad demonstration. Nestled in between the road course and the off-road course, 15 police vehicle manufacturers showcased their latest products.

The Bridgestone Driving Experience was also a very popular destination for attendees. This was an opportunity to test-drive police vehicles with the latest Firestone Firehawk Police Pursuit tires. During this event, attendees had the opportunity to compare the Firehawk against other tires, a rare opportunity to compare apples-to-apples when it comes to testing tires.

Back at the convention center, the new police vehicles were on display from the Big 3 auto manufacturers. One of the highlights this year was GM Envolve providing a PPV Blazer EV with all production components and aftermarket accessories custom designed by Setina Manufacturing. For the first time, attendees were able to sit inside and move around this new pursuit-rated offering from GM Envolve. The new Blazer PPV EV did not disappoint, with production starting early in 2024.

Also on the trade show floor were the latest products from several aftermarket manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.

23

WHELEN EVENT

Kustom Signals showcased a new body-worn camera called the ARGUS BWC with amazing battery life and event detection (it’s so smart, it uses AI to listen for predesignated custom phrases). If the camera hears the officer yell, “DROP THE GUN!” it automatically starts recording. Another key feature is the ability for the officer to control remote access so no one can dial in to view video without the officer’s permission.

Whelen Industries brought their new display with the new Edge lightbars and the Whelen Cloud application. Working with HAAS Safety Systems, Whelen has software to assist emergency vehicles with safe passage through intersections using new technology that integrates with traffic control systems. This technology is something all the emergency lighting vendors are working on and it’s just in the infancy stages, as this will clearly keep first responders and the public safer.

New this year was TRU/CLEAR ARMOUR by Global Public Safety.

This ballistic product called Clear Armor is amazing as it is “oneway” ballistic glass. This is done through a stick-on coating to the inside of the glass. The glass is bulletproof from the outside while still allowing officers or citizens to defend themselves from the inside. It is available for vehicles, home, office, or any glass. The valuable savings is that this stick-on coating is for any window, with no structural changes to the window. Tru Armor is for vehicles, as it is one of the few that allows for complete window functionality while providing ballistic protection.

Code 3 Lighting showcased their new Matrix lighting packages of mega Flex LED emergency lighting modules in 3 inches and 4 inches. These lights are extremely bright and able to stick on any surface, including curved surfaces. New this year is the Matrix OutLiners Series that allows for lower lighting along sidesteps or body frame.

24

WHELEN EVENT

CODE 3 EVENT

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

DE

CO

V 3E

EN

T

pic

F EAT URE STORY

Vehicle-mounted night vision and IR cameras were in abundance this year. Southeast Responder Solutions showed up with the NightRide thermal imaging cameras. The most popular was the spotlight-mounted camera, which sends images wirelessly to the vehicle or smartphone using WiFi. Mounting options include GoPro style mounting, K9 mounted, or rooftop mounted.

Federal Signal brought a new entry into the pushbar world, their DFC Pushbumper (with a matte texture finish, 10 lights that can go without drilling a hole, an amazingly simple and fast install and integrated speakers built right in).

Everyone at the show got hands-on exposure with the latest products and services from some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry (if it goes on a police vehicle, then it was somewhere on the show floor). Attendees could sit in on cuttingedge presentations that directly pertained to highly experienced or new police fleet managers. This year’s new curriculum offered outstanding fleet training taught by industry experts, which included five separate educational tracks.

Once again, the always-popular Tire Forensics session was fully booked. This session, put on by the master himself, Mr. T.J. Tennent of “The Tyre Guy,” is a huge favorite as T.J. provides fleet managers with the insight into how important tires are to every agency.

There were several sessions on upfitting new vehicles, dealing with complex electrical issues, and some interesting sessions on how to implement electric vehicles into your fleet. New this year was the presence of YouTuber (and Miami Police Officer) Nick OFF Duty. In his usual hilarious manner, Nick posted several PFE23 videos including a tour of the Expo floor and another at DriveX, where he highlighted the new offerings from all three vehicle OEMs. If you missed this year’s show, you can go to YouTube T and check out his videos, which are very well done and EN EV F informative. You can see more at https:// OF ND U O www.youtube.com/c/NickOFFDuty.

S One of the highlights of Police Fleet Expo are the nightly vendor-sponsored

25

F EAT URE STORY

networking events. These events are always the best places to make new contacts and see old friends and industry colleagues.

This year, all the vendors stepped up and provided some amazing evening events for all attendees.

Federal Signal Welcome Networking Reception Sunday, Aug. 13

New this year, a fourth networking reception was added to the schedule, hosted by Federal Signal. For those attendees who arrived early at the Hilton Hotel (the host hotel), they could check in and without leaving the hotel, attend a fun and relaxing event that included tarot card readers, cigar rolling exercises, and delicious food.

Whelen Networking Event

FEDERAL SIGNAL EVENT

SOUNDOFF EVENT

Monday, Aug. 14

Located across from the convention center, the historic Sugar Mill was selected by Whelen for their popular annual event. It was a night of New Orleans-style fun with world-famous cuisine, music, entertainment, and more.

Code 3/Westin Public Safety/Printek Networking Event Tuesday, Aug. 15

The Creole Queen Paddlewheeler provided a great backdrop for a casino-themed evening put on by Code 3, Westin Public Safety, and Printek. Attendees passed several police vehicles on display to board the boat. Once aboard, Southern-inspired cuisine tempted onlookers, with a wide range of casino games and numerous giveaways raffled off throughout the night.

FEDERAL SIGNAL EVENT

Setina Manufacturing/SoundOff Signal/Intermotive Vehicle Controls/911 Circuits Networking Event Wednesday, Aug. 16

Attendees casually strolled through Mardi Gras World to get up close and personal with famous floats and then proceeded next door to an enchanted mansion for authentic Southern fare and a DJ spinning tunes. This one-of-a-kind experience was graciously hosted by Setina Manufacturing, SoundOff Signal, Intermotive Vehicle Controls, and 911 Circuits.

If you are interested in a “One Stop Shop” conference that provides fleet-focused education, a large trade show floor, and a challenging on/off road driving event, then Police Fleet Expo is the event for you!

26

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

SAVE THE DATE

Police Fleet Expo 2024 (PFE) will take place Aug. 12–15 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX, so start making plans now. This will be the 20th anniversary of the first PFE Expo, which started in Grand Rapids, MI.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT PFE 2023 IN NEW ORLEANS!

CHECK OUT WHELEN.COM/CLOUD TO LEARN HOW TO KEEP YOUR FLEET UP-TO-DATE AND SAFE

WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN TEXAS! WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. 51 Winthrop Road Chester, Connecticut 06412

www.whelen.com @WhelenENG

27

28

INTERMOTIVE VEHICLE

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

CONTROLS

F EAT URE STORY

by Jason Beaver & Eric Hansen The process of turning an otherwise “plain” vehicle into one that can respond to emergencies is known as upfitting. What began over one hundred years ago with the addition of a warning light and siren now includes nearly every piece of equipment in the vehicle. Upfitting a modern law enforcement vehicle requires extensive product knowledge, planning, research, and logistics. Deciding whether to complete this task in-house or turning it over to an upfitter requires careful consideration.

Deciding what needs to be installed on a vehicle requires a great deal of planning and research.

Knowing what type of equipment is needed, make and model of the vehicle, its functionality, any specifications on how to install, and how to obtain it are all factors in planning your upfit. Other questions that may come up during your research could include how many vehicles to build? What manufacturer of warning lights are you going to use? Partnering with an upfitter creates an opportunity to streamline the

process and reduce potential pitfalls.

In planning your upfit, consideration of what equipment your fleet currently has and whether you want to continue with the same type is one of the first decisions to be made. The end users should be familiar with the functionality of the components and comfortable with the locations where they are installed.

One of the first items to consider is “what is this vehicle’s purpose?” Creating a mission-specific upfit is essential to the success of this vehicle for years to come. If the primary function of the vehicle is patrol, then specific components relevant to that mission should be installed on it. Other missionspecific vehicles include K9, traffic enforcement, SWAT, Administrative, and other highly specialized upfits such as drone operations or crime scene. These require specific components that an experienced upfitter will be familiar with.

29

F EAT URE STORY

Over the years, the challenges that come with upfitting a law enforcement vehicle have changed.

Keeping up to date with this information can be a challenge in itself, whether you are dealing with vehicle supply chain issues coming from General Motors, Ford Motor Company, or Stellantis, or using a civilian, also known as retail, vehicle for law enforcement work instead of police purpose-built vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV). Another notable change in the industry has been the introduction of the full control siren system like Whelen’s Core or SoundOff’s Blueprint, which sometimes requires complex programming.

Wiring harnesses have been around for years, as upfitters use them to standardize their wiring.

However, with the introduction of the Core and Blueprint, the use of wiring harnesses has become more common because of the number of connections, additional wires, and connectivity to the vehicle using the ODB connection or OEM-supplied wiring. Knowing what changes have been made year over year to your vehicle of choice is another challenge that requires research and conversations with OEM reps and the dealership through which you are purchasing the vehicle.

Whether your upfit is done in-house or by an upfitter, you must understand if your equipment still fits and works the same way in your vehicle. As the vehicle changes, so does the equipment. A good example of this is that you may have purchased a storage box to fit in the back of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and now you want this to fit into a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. Since the model year has changed, meaning it

30

is a new body style, additional equipment will need to be purchased to install the same storage box. In this case, a rear tray platform must be purchased because of this model year change.

Another important factor to remember when determining what equipment you want to use is compatibility. While using two or three different manufacturers for lighting is typically not much of a problem, mixing prisoner transport equipment with storage boxes may not work. This is a challenge that typically gets overlooked until the installation process has already started. Do your research to understand if the storage box you want from one manufacturer will fit with the cargo barrier of another. It is recommended when dealing with prisoner transport equipment that you purchase all the products from one manufacturer to ensure they fit together properly, and the doors close tightly.

When installing a gun rack on the front partition, keep in mind the length and width of your console to make sure the officer can access the weapons quickly.

The ability to repurpose equipment from vehicles removed from service and used in the new upfit is often a question that comes up. While items such as radios, video systems, and computers can often be removed from an older unit, components that are specific to a vehicle make or model year are often not compatible with the vehicle being upfitted.

Determining what can be used versus what needs to be purchased new is one of the most important decisions to be made during this process. Failure to recognize these specific challenges can cause significant delays in placing a new vehicle in service.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

Working with your upfitter to mitigate these potential issues can save valuable time and lead to a smooth process.

Upfitting in-house, or within the scope of the organization, is dependent on the availability of personnel to do the job and their level of competence in completing the work. Consideration should be given to whether the person tasked with the job has other responsibilities, their experience, and whether the agency has the logistical capability to tackle the upfitting process, in addition to the financial considerations of salary and benefits. Choosing an experienced and reputable upfitter is usually the most cost-effective choice.

When deciding on an upfitter, many factors come into play. These include proximity to the agency, past relationships, reputation, and their availability to meet your timeframe. Whether the upfitter can offer a turn-key solution that includes the purchase of the vehicle and delivery is a factor that many agencies consider.

If your decision is to hire an upfitter to build your vehicles, there are things you can do to ensure your experience goes well. The first is to go visit

the upfitter’s facility, see how they build a law enforcement vehicle, and ask a lot of questions. Take your vehicle specifications with you and go over them with the upfitter. They may see a potential problem and have a quick and easy solution. Lastly, it is always a good practice to check references and understand the experience and longevity of the upfitter’s business.

A good working relationship will always make the experience much easier and stress-free. As your relationship grows year after year, the upfitter will understand how you like your vehicles built and what your expectations are.

As you can see, planning your next upfit can take weeks to months to plan and produce, but understanding what you are dealing with, what questions to ask, and knowing the resources that you have available to you within the industry can make the process of upfitting a law enforcement vehicle a manageable task.

About the Guest Authors Jason Beaver is a Sr Vice President and Eric Hansen is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Cap Fleet Upfitters, a fast-growing emergency vehicle upfitter based in Texas. To learn more, visit www.capfleet.com.

31

F EAT URE STORY

by Cynthia Ross & Rick Longobart

As managers who must oversee fleets of vehicles and heavy equipment (assets), comes the tremendous responsibility of determining the costs associated with each asset.

Determining the optimal time to replace an asset, prior to it becoming an expense to your organization, could potentially save millions of dollars. While many fleets

base replacement decisions purely on miles and age, other important factors should be considered.

The total cost of ownership is based on several factors: what is the overall condition; what was the original purchase price, including upfitting; what are the maintenance costs for both

planned and unplanned repairs; what is the age of the asset; and how mission critical is the asset to your operation? By evaluating all six factors, many times an operation will find that assets they determined should be replaced solely by considering age and miles, is not the most cost-effective decision. Other factors may include utilization and depreciation.

An example would be two like vehicles, both having reached the age and miles limit set for replacement, yet vehicle one is still in great condition and the maintenance costs are low. Most likely, the monies designated for this year’s replacement budget could be better utilized by replacing an asset that has hit its miles and age threshold, is in poor condition, and has exceeded the average maintenance cost associated with that class.

Baseline to Determine Lifecycle Years and Miles/Hour per Class: Portable Generators 10 years or 2,000 hours Heavy Equipment 15 years or 7,000 hours Construction Equip 14 years or 7,000 hours Medic Vans 5 years or 120,000 miles Paint Stripers 13 years or 7,000 miles Paratransit Bus 10 years or 80,000 miles Pickup Trucks (1/4-3/4 Ton) 10 years or 85,000 miles Fire Engines/Trucks 15 years (frontline), 5 years (reserve), 20 years total or 15,000 hours

32

“Organize your fleet assets into categories of like assets, also known as class codes.”

These are groups of assets that are the same make and model, share similar acquisition costs, operating use, weight, power source, wheel configuration, transmission, and fuel type.

1

A basic mid-size sedan could be outfitted as a marked police car or set up as an administrative vehicle. How these two vehicles are used will result in different annual operating costs. These differences are so significant that a police vehicle may have a life cycle of four to six years, whereas an administrative sedan may have seven to ten years.

“Set parameter guidelines for each class lifecycle.”

Police patrol vehicle at 6 years or

2

Police Motorcycles Police Patrol Refuse Transfer Trailers Sedans, Passenger Vans & SUVs Street Sweepers Stump Grinders & Chippers Trailers Trucks: Heavy (1 Ton+) Trucks: Pickups & Utility Trucks: Refuse Vactors/Sewer Rodders Welders, Saws, Pumps

5 years or 60,000 miles 6 years or 80,000 miles 6 years or 7,000 hours 10 years or 80,000 miles 7 years or 8,000 miles 13 years or 7,000 hours 14 years 10 years or 100,000 miles 10 years or 150,000 miles 10 years or 120,000 miles 10 years or 8,000 miles 14 years

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

80,000 miles. Sedan, passenger vans, and SUVs at 10 years or 80,000 miles.

“Determine a score for how mission critical a class code is to your operation.” One (1) being the least important to five (5) being the most important.

3

“Condition is a key component to calculating replacement.” Score each of your assets by the condition it is in: Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, or Bad.

4

“Determine optimal replacement criteria using a series of values.” The series of values contribute to the overall score. This determines the optimal time to replace an asset. Some agencies select to use a bell curve or a point system.

5

To the right is an example of the point scorer using the

aforementioned criteria. In addition to the point score, some agencies may look at the utilization of the asset in order to determine if the asset should be kept in the fleet, redeployed to another department, or removed from the fleet entirely.

Before making a final decision, it is imperative to determine the projected replacement cost in comparison to life-todate maintenance cost. One can determine the projected replacement cost by calculating a compounded inflationary cost each year from the date of the original purchase price. Most agencies use an inflationary compounded percentage between 4% to 6%.

By knowing the projected replacement cost, this knowledge will provide a better method to evaluate the ratio of maintenance expenses to the new acquisition cost.

33

Projections & Variables Setup Total Cost of Ownership

F EAT URE STORY

Date Printed: 9/20/23 LRC/PROFIT$

Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is the depreciation of the asset, meaning what will the resale value be when the asset reaches its useful lifecycle.

By knowing this information, it will assist in determining the “sweet

spot” of when a vehicle should be replaced. This is done by comparing the projected replacement cost, compared to the escalating maintenance cost versus the resale value, better known as the bell curve in the example below.

Projections & Variables Setup Unit # P-111-3 | Dodge

In addition to determining the equipment replacement criteria, knowing the total cost of ownership in comparison to the total cost of a new vehicle helps to determine the optimal time to replace an asset.

This can be done by comparing the cost to like classes of assets.

In many cases, this is used as a means of triage. If an agency does not have enough money to replace all the assets in need of replacement within the fleet, this information will help to determine which vehicle has the highest cost of ownership.

Above is an example to determine the total cost of ownership.

Tracking lifecycle costs is the very basis for effective business

34

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

vehicle management, and if done properly and regularly, can help avoid vehicle downtime, improve risk to drivers, and contain costs.

Lifecycle costing isn’t an overly complex process. It does, however, require a solid database to capture fixed and variable costs, a reporting mechanism to express the data in cost per mile form and, most importantly, the business acumen to interpret the information and establish sound policy as a result: Accumulate all fixed and variable costs.

Express the costs in a cost/use ratio of cents per mile/hour.

Filter the results for unusual expenses that might skew results.

The resulting data will reveal true vehicle productivity.

About the Guest Authors: Cynthia Ross is the President and co-owner of Longobart-Ross Consulting, created to provide a gateway for public and private fleets to improve their operation through modernization, the implementation of best practices, the addition of available software applications, process engineering, and the utilization of the latest technologies available.

Rick Longobart is a Principal at Longobart-Ross Consulting and Fleet Operations Manager for the City of Raleigh Municipal Government.

To learn more, click here www.longobart-ross.com.

35

36

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

In August 2023, we presented on this very topic at Police Fleet Expo in New Orleans. We all know that there are federal and state mandates requiring government fleets to eliminate gasoline and diesel vehicles and to move to 100% ZEV between 2027 and 2035.

The federal fleet has a mandate to be at 100% Light-Duty zero-emission vehicles by 2027 and 100% Medium- and Heavy-Duty zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Many states have set goals of their government fleets also being 100% ZEV between 2030 and 2035. Several states have also declared that all retail sales must be at 100% ZEV by 2035.

The cost of transitioning to electric vehicles can be very expensive. At the onset, there are several factors to consider: 1

The higher cost of electric vehicles compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles

2

The cost of installing charging stations

3

The cost of installing the electric infrastructure to power the charging stations

To offset some of these costs, the federal government has provided tax credits. The credits vary, depending on battery size. All federal tax credits start with a $2,500 amount for any electric vehicle, including PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) with a battery pack capable of more than 5kWh of capacity. There is an additional $417 for each kWh over 4kWh, not to exceed $7,500 in total for lightduty vehicles. The federal tax credit can reach as high as $40,000 for the larger class 3, class 4, and class 5 vehicles.

In addition, many states have offered a tax credit for new or preowned EV and PHEV. Some states are offering exemptions from certain taxes or processes rather than offering a tax credit or rebate. Finally, many of the electric companies throughout the United States are offering credits toward your electric bill or discounted rates for those charging during off-peak hours.

The federal government and some states provide rebates for the purchase of certain electric vehicles or accessories, such as Level 2 Chargers. The federal tax credit can be 30% of the cost of purchase and installation. Examples of a few state programs are as follows: CA

There are several different programs, based on where the vehicles are housed. See the link below for state incentives.

CO

There are grants that cover up to 80% of purchase and installation for a total grant not to exceed $50,000.

CT

There are tax credits that cover up to 80% of chargers and up to 100% of infrastructure.

IL

Up to 80% of the cost.

MD

There are grants of up to 40% of the investment, not to exceed $4,000 per address.

NJ

Up to 50% of the infrastructure and $1,500 toward level 2 chargers.

NY

Like CA, there are several programs available, some as high as 100% grants.

37

F EAT URE STORY

by Bob Crowe & Joanne Cornier

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act has 80 different federal incentives. The incentives at the federal, state, and local levels are constantly changing. As a fleet management company, we assist you with determining which incentives, grants, rebates, and tax credits will work best.

Here are some of the links that we follow: • Electric car incentives by state • Electric vehicle tax credits and rebates available in the US, sorted by state • Electric car rebates and incentives: What to know by state – by KBB. • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) contains 38

funding for EV charging stations, electric school buses and ferries, port electrification, a domestic supply chain for battery production and recycling.

• The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will be the largest climate investment in U.S. history. It includes provisions to revitalize American Manufacturing, create clean energy jobs, and provide additional resources to improve access to EVs and EV charging infrastructure.

• Here is a list of available federal funding programs, including some of the most relevant and widely used programs for rural EV infrastructure.

• Federal Tax Credits for Plug-In Electric and Fuel Cell Electric vehicles purchased in 2023 or after.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

F EAT URE STORY

FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE

G-MAX™ Justice

G-MAX™ Justice AW

All-Season | High-Speed Pursuit

All-Weather | High-Speed Pursuit

LEARN MORE GENERALTIRE.COM 39

F EAT URE STORY

Images from Chevrolet Pressroom

We have partnered with companies throughout the United States that provide charging stations and infrastructure. In addition to assisting with electric vehicles, charging stations, and infrastructure, we also assist with all fleet management services.

We work with customers to determine whether a closed-end lease, an open-end lease, a municipal $1.00 finance lease, or a straight finance lease works best. In many cases, it is a combination of these options that works best for most agencies.

We work closely with all manufacturers to find you the lowest costs and the best vehicles for your needs. The supply of fleet vehicles has decreased.

The OEM incentives have significantly decreased or disappeared. The budgeted dollar amounts are not enough to meet the rising costs of vehicles. In these times where demand is considerably greater than supply and OEM build schedules severely shortened, our nationwide dealer network is an asset. We have been finding vehicles for our customers by reaching out to our contacts throughout the OEM and dealer network. Our goal every day is to help fleets lower their fleet costs, including maintenance costs, fuel costs, acquisition costs, and total cost of ownership.

Regardless of need, we are here to help with any public fleet vehicles—marked, unmarked, admin, light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles.

We also have a national cooperative purchasing contract for Fleet Management with OMNIA Partners. This contract allows agencies from both the public and non-profit sectors. These include but are not limited to School Districts (including K-12, Charter schools and Private K-12), Higher Education (including Universities, Community Colleges, Private Colleges, and Technical/Vocational Schools), Cities, Counties, and any Local Government, State Agencies, Healthcare Organizations, Church/Religious, Nonprofit Corporations throughout the United States.

40

For more information, or to find out how we can assist you, we can be reached at the following: Joanne Cornier Joanne.Cornier@doeringfleet.com, 407-353-0728 Bob Crowe Bob.Crowe@doeringfleet.com, 407-456-1561 About the Guest Authors: Bob Crowe has been working in the car rental and leasing business since 1982. He has been leasing vehicles to commercial accounts, federal, state, and local government agencies and law enforcement agencies throughout the country for more than 41 years.

Joanne Cornier has been leasing vehicles to federal, state, and local government agencies and law enforcement agencies throughout the United States since 1987. This is her 36th year working with government fleets.

In 2010, they joined forces and have become one of the most experienced government teams assisting government customers with leasing and financing options, vehicle acquisition, and fleet management services. With the transition of fleets to more hybrids and electric vehicles, they have worked with the manufacturers and the finance institutions to assist agencies in lowering their acquisition costs by sharing the federal tax credits.

Bob and Joanne currently work for Doering Fleet Management, a privately owned company based in Brookfield, WI. Doering has been in business since 1989 and was voted #1 leasing company in customer service in 2022. In addition, they were recently awarded a national cooperative purchasing contract for government agencies and non-profits with OMNIA Partners.

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

41

N EW P RODUC TS

Police Fleet Professionals love new products and some of these products are just now hitting the law enforcement and public safety markets. Here are a few you may want to check out.

Ultra-Rugged Smartphone

Cobalt Cube

V700 Body-Worn Camera

To learn more, click here: https://kyoceramobile.com/ duraforce-pro-3/

To learn more, click here: www.vncautomotive.com

To learn more click here: www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/ video-security-access-control/body-worncameras/v700.html

KYOCERA offers the ultra-rugged DuraForce PRO 3 Android smartphone.

Now available from Verizon, it’s certified for Verizon 5G Nationwide and 5G Ultra Wideband for public and private network connectivity. Compact enough to work as a body-worn device with programmable buttons, it is designed to help first responders work faster and smarter, ensuring reliable mission-critical communications with MCPTT6 capability, loud-clear 100dB+ audio for noisy environments, AIenhanced dual-mic noise cancellation, all-day replaceable battery, plus a scratch- and shatter-resistant display designed for outdoor visibility with glove and wet-touchscreen operation.

VNC Automotive’s Cobalt Cube integrates and controls light bars, sirens, automatic license plate recognition, CCTV and many other vital systems using the vehicle’s existing touchscreen. Streamlining control of these systems in a vehicle’s cabin reduces bulk…which helps officers to fully concentrate on road conditions. It also enables control rooms to connect with vehicles in real time, controlling certain systems such as sirens, providing crucial navigation information to those driving the vehicle and even sending CCTV footage to vehicles. Cobalt Cube is rugged and operates in the toughest climate conditions.

Motorola Solutions presents the V700 body-worn camera (BWC), able to live stream video and report real-time GPS location over LTE to CommandCentral Aware. This BWC can recover critical evidence days after an incident, even when a recording wasn’t initiated. Recording can also be triggered with Holster Aware sensors and APX public safety radios and it delivers excellent video quality in low-light conditions. The easily changeable and rechargeable battery has self-cleaning contacts to ensure reliable power. Other features include 128 GB storage, multiple mounting options, and the SmartControl mobile and PC app.

Rextorm PX501 Fully Rugged Tablet

RuggON recently announced the update to its Rextorm PX501 fully rugged tablet with the Intel Core 13th Gen processors! The unit is the first device in its class to feature the latest Core processors. The PX501 has long been a centerpiece of RuggON’s lineup of rugged computers; it’s a multitasker and an ideal computing solution in several applications including law enforcement and fleet.

To learn more, click here: www.ruggon.com/us/product/rugged-tablets/PX501

42

Police Fleet Professional Magazine FALL 2023

N EW P RODUC TS

TOUGHBOOK® 40 Fully-Rugged Laptop

The 14” fully-rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK® 40 laptop breaks new ground offering unrivaled flexibility in even the most demanding and unpredictable environments with its class leading eight modular areas including its innovative modular expansion packs (xPAK’s). Optical drives, authentication readers, IO ports and even the Barcode Reader xPAK are all user upgradeable. Its state-of-the-art design optimizes thermals for maximum performance and its latest technology will ensure the TOUGHBOOK 40 will withstand the test of time. It features an optional dedicated GPU (late availability), up to 64GB of RAM, up to 3TB of storage, all-day battery life, four microphones, color-selectable backlit keyboard, 95db speakers, dual SIM (physical + eSIM) and choice of two cellular modems. The 4G modem provides up to 2Gbps and the 5G modem (late availability) adds support of 5G Sub6, C-band and mmWave with speeds up to 5.5Gbps and the ability to seamless connect to the best available network without any disruption or loss of connectivity.

To learn more, click here: www.na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

Body-Worn System and Live Streaming Software

The Axis body-worn system serves as a trusted partner for law enforcement to confidently protect and serve the community. With superior video and audio quality, this system helps to deter crime, protect personnel, and document forensic evidence.

AXIS Body Worn Live, the newest addition to the body-worn system, is a livestreaming software that enables an operator to view a wearer’s body-worn camera footage in real-time, allowing them to make informed decisions, such as when to send backup based on the Axis body-worn camera’s GPS location. Built on an open platform, integration into your preferred content destination is easy, offering the flexibility to manage and store the video based on preference.

To learn more, click here: www.axis.com/en-us/products/wearables

Pathfinder® Siren and Light Controller

Pathfinder® is a compact, programmable siren and light controller available with self-contained controls, remote surface-mount control heads, or handheld control head. Pathfinder is packed with features such as dual-tone and integrated Rumbler traffic clearing capability along with optional Federal Signal Vehicle Integration/OnBoard Diagnostics (OBDII) integration. Pathfinder is easy to install and incorporates Convergence Network Configuration Software to provide a high-level of customizable control capability. Convergence Network Configuration Software is available as a download, from the Federal Signal website, making it easy to program one vehicle – or an entire fleet – from your laptop.

To learn more, click here: www.fedsig.com/product/pathfinder-siren-light-controller

43

Signal Business Group, LLC PO Box 3157 Bluffton, SC 29910-3157 www.signalbusinessgroup.com

Police Fleet Professional is an industry leading digital publication, distributed to keep fleet professionals in public safety.

SUBSCRIBE HERE info@signalbusinessgroup.com