Police Fleet Professional Magazine - Fall/Winter 2024
N E W 2 0 2 5 V E H I C L E E Q U I P M E N T
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,
Owner/Group Publisher
Pete Kingwill pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com
Editorial Directors
Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com
Pete Kingwill pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.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
Pete Kingwill pkingwill@signalbusinessgroup.com
Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com
Advertising & Booth Sales
Kirk Moen kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com
Social Media Manager Meghan McDade mmcdade@signalbusinesgroup.com
Website Design/Management Michaeltz Zwief, Ltd.
Magazine Design/Layout
Jennie Marvin
Digital Mountain Creative, LLC www.digitalmountaincreative.com jennie@digitalmountaincreative.com
National Director kmoen@signalbusinessgroup.com 608-770-6364
Meghan McDade
Social Media Manager mmcdade@signalbusinessgroup.com
INDUSTRY NEWS
By Police Fleet Professional Staff
RCMP Warns They Can’t Meet Government’s Goal For All-Electric Fleet by 2023
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) says they can’t ‘go green’ with the technology currently available to them. Vehicles may be inoperable in remote regions with limited charging infrastructure and strained power grids. The federal government plans to replace the RCMP fleet with zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
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Police Fleet Helps Maximize Mission-Critical Uptime with Ford Pro™ Telematics
Ford Pro™ Telematics enhances mission-critical uptime for Dane County, WI Police. The Ford Pro Intelligence platform pulls in vehicle data, such as crash alerts, and presents the information on a dashboard. The near-real-time data empowers the agency to shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance.
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Menlo Park Police Department’s Tesla Patrol Vehicle Pilot Finds That Teslas Don’t Appear to be ‘Patrol Cars of the Future’
Menlo Park Police pilot program finds that Teslas are useful for patrol and non-patrol operations but may not be the ‘patrol cars of the future.’ The department cites officer safety concerns, lack of off-roading ability, and limited interior space as reasons for these findings.
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Idaho
State Police Adds Nine Ford Mustang Dark Horses to Its
Fleet
Idaho State Police added nine Ford Mustang Dark Horses to its fleet. An outfitter in Boise customizes the vehicles with high-end radios, lights, equipment, and kick screens. The department is also using the Stop Stick tire deflation device and axon camera systems.
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Police Fleet Expo 2024 Sets New Attendance Record in Fort Worth, Texas!
Police Fleet Professionals descended upon Fort Worth, last week, to participate in a ride & drive event (DriveX), classroom presentations and a full Expo. Several lucky attendees were also able to take a GM Envolve assembly plant tour, compliments of a raffle drawing. The record-breaking education and networking event included an overview by Ford Pro, GM Envolve and Stellantis/Dodge Law on their 2025MY police vehicles as well as multiple course offerings including fleet technology, servicing electric vehicles, lifecycle costing, telematics and more. A welcoming reception and several networking evening events were held Sunday through Wednesday.
A special thank you to all sponsors that helped make PFE 2024 such a success including 911 Circuits, Bridgestone, Cap Fleet, Code 3, Dana Safety Supply, Federal Signal, Ford Pro, GM Envolve, Intermotive Vehicle Controls, Magnetic Mic, Printek, Progard Products, Setina Manufacturing, SoundOff Signal, Stellantis/Dodge Law, Westin Public Safety Division and Whelen Engineering Company.
Mark your calendars! Police Fleet Expo 2025 will take place in Birmingham, AL (Aug 18-21). More details available soon.
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Cleveland Police Piloting Locally Made E-Motorcycles
The Cleveland, OH Division of Police rolled out a prototype e-motorcycle manufactured by local company Land Moto. The three-month pilot program includes a single vehicle to determine if they want to use them for large-scale events and community policing.
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Dodge’s Next-Gen Charger Cop Car Could Get EV Version That Requires Regular Charging
Dodge Law, the Stellantis division providing law enforcement vehicles, is teasing an electric Charger Daytona police car concept. The Charger Daytona pursuit version could boast 456-hp, and a 100.5kWh battery should result in a decent range.
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Ford Announces 2025 Police Interceptor Utility Cruiser
The 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) is now available to law enforcement agencies across the country. A standard hybrid powertrain option powers onboard equipment even when the gas engine is turned off. The Police Perimeter Alert system detects moving threats around the vehicle for officer safety.
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Seized Chevy Camaro Gets New Life as Michigan Patrol Car
The Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department in Michigan has converted a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro X28 once owned by drug dealers into a fully operational police patrol vehicle. No taxpayer dollars were used for the transformation, since the entire process was funded by money confiscated from the drug dealers themselves.
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Oklahoma Police Department First In State To Use Grappler Bumpers
Broken Arrow Police Department in Oklahoma adopts Grappler Bumpers for its fleet. These bumpers feature a net that wraps around the wheel of a fleeing vehicle to stop them during a pursuit. The Grapplers are currently installed on the department’s Chevy Tahoes and Ford F-150s.
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Springfield PD Brings Back Motorcycle Unit
The Springfield, IL Police Department has two motorcycles in its fleet for the first time since the 1970s. The department is using them for parades, funeral processions, and traffic details. The motorcycles have been helpful in situations where they need to get through small areas quickly.
Dodge Law recently posted a teaser about the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Pursuit Concept on their Instagram page. Rumors suggesting that Dodge may introduce an allelectric Daytona Pursuit version aligns with the trend toward electrification in law enforcement vehicles.
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Ford Files Patent for Adaptive Upfitter Switches to Streamline Control of Aftermarket Accessories
Ford Motor Company filed a patent for adaptive upfitter switches that may be used in future Ford vehicles. Upfitter switches enable owners to more easily power and control exterior lighting and other aftermarket items, giving users better control over their accessories without having to add more switches.
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Menlo Park and Ukiah Police Chiefs: Teslas Not Yet Suitable for Police Use Due to Space and Range Limitations
The police chiefs at Menlo Park Police Department and Ukiah Police Department say that Teslas are not ready for police use. They cited issues such as limited interior spaces for police work, especially after being outfitted, and charging range.
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Jotto Desk™ ZRT Gun Racks are designed for any configuration you can imagine. Partition Mounted, Single Cell Mounted, Rear Seat Mounted or Free Standing, and Rear Hatch Mounted – Single Weapon or Dual. Jotto Desk was awarded two patents for these innovative solutions (US Patent No. 8,910,560, US Patent No. 9,481,312, and US Patent No. 10,563,943).
SmartLok Technology was developed to thwart not only the theft potential from hotwiring that exists,but also the threat from a magnet or even a hammer strike.
By Police Fleet Professional Staff
Police officers do much of their work in patrol vehicles on computers nowadays compared to years ago when they would go back to the station and manually write out paper reports.
With today’s advanced in-vehicle technology, it is imperative to manage all of this vital data in a way that is efficient and scalable. CIRRUS BY PANASONIC™ 2.0 is a connected vehicle platform that is a scalable, cloud-based approach for managing vehicle-toeverything (V2X) ecosystems.
From data to devices, CIRRUS 2.0 syncs disparate traffic management tools into a single platform
that streamlines operations and improves data management and overall safety for first responders and the public as well. Essentially, CIRRUS allows many different tools to “talk” to connected vehicles in a consistent way. It uses automation to reduce the cognitive load of users and expand the range of source data available for connected vehicle safety and mobility solutions in an expanded, seamlessly integrated approach.
The new CIRRUS 2.0 platform also includes enhanced incident detection, with tools for leveraging connected vehicle data in different operating environments. It uses an advanced data architecture with insights that can be shared across a variety of information systems.
CIRRUS BY PANASONIC™ 2.0: Making mobility scalable, safer, and more efficient for police
CIRRUS by Panasonic™ Fleet Insights uses telecommunications and informatics to manage vehicle fleets through the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK®
Key features of CIRRUS 2.0 include:
• Interoperability between advanced capabilities of V2X systems and traditional transportation information
• Management platform using intelligent data collection to enable advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) insights
• A completely redesigned user experience (UX) incorporating requests and suggestions from the CIRRUS user base to streamline the way V2X systems are accessed by both fleet and roadway operations staff
CIRRUS as a platform came out of R&D investments from Panasonic automotive software. According to Kjeld Lindsted, Head of Products and Services, the original target of CIRRUS was to work with Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to manage connected vehicle data. In 2017 and 2018, this was an approach using dedicated hardware and radio spectrum that the FCC mandated to roll out in all new vehicles. Panasonic set up the CIRRUS platform as a way to handle a huge influx of data. The company was heavily DOT-focused and started a few trial deployments with that particular approach to the technology.
In the public safety field, in order to get to scale, Panasonic realized they would need to add some hardware and devices to patrol vehicles beyond the standard equipment in the sample sets. They looked at other ways to achieve the benefits of connected vehicle technology, such as safety improvements, reduction in travel time, access to targeted green lights at intersections, etc., that would benefit police and fire departments in an effort to expand their service area. This led to working with Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK teams to use that rugged laptop hardware as a gateway to the vehicle to get the data needed for safety information and mobility applications off of these high-priority types of fleets.
CIRRUS
BY PANASONIC™ 2.0:
Making mobility scalable, safer, and more efficient for police
We all know that police environments, both for the first responder and the vehicle, can be chaotic. One of the challenges for police departments is keeping track of their vehicles and what is going on inside of them. It is nearly impossible with fleets that have 1,000 or more vehicles. Dashcams, lights and sirens systems, gunracks, connectivity technology (cellular modem), computer, are just a few of the items within the vehicle.
Telematics programs are technology solutions that help monitor the location of the vehicle, check engine light status, and oil change schedule, mileage, seat belt use, etc. In the old days, a spreadsheet might have worked for this type of data recording, but with larger fleets, agencies need this in digital form since a spreadsheet won’t help answer those questions at scale. It is crucial for them to understand what is happening with their vehicles, such as where they are on the map, have they been stolen and if so, how do they find them, have officers taken them home, etc.
Although existing telematics systems are available, they are typically built for a rental or logistics fleet. However, there are some key differences in their use cases for police fleets in particular. For example, they are often signed out to one individual versus several drivers, and the demand on the vehicles is much greater due to higher service hours and route patterns. In police work, sometimes a patrol vehicle will be sitting idle during traffic enforcement, and at other times, the vehicle’s engine may be maxed out in a high-speed chase. Therefore, there is a need to tailor how the software is used based on the eccentricities and needs of the fleet.
Another major difference between police fleets and other fleets involves all of the equipment within the vehicle. Due to limited space in the inside of police cars, it is necessary to keep items as low-profile as possible. The more devices you add to the vehicle, the more difficult it is to maintain a safe and efficient working environment for the officer. Since Panasonic’s
TOUGHBOOK is already in a large number of police vehicles, and CIRRUS 2.0 is using the TOUGHBOOK as a gateway to the vehicle, no additional equipment or hardware are required to be put into that space. By connecting to the CAN or OBD2 port, departments can understand all the necessary details about the vehicle, such as location, if the transmission is failing, current fuel level, etc.
In addition, by connecting to the vehicle’s lights and sirens system, agencies are alerted if the vehicle is in a ‘rolling code,’ which indicates if they are active and possibly in a pursuit or traffic stop. All of this information is collected with software that is then streamed to the cloud. Once in the cloud, CIRRUS 2.0 is able to tailor the telematics outputs.
A lot of competitors offer similar types of data points, but Panasonic tailors how to deal with them and what those types of things mean in specific formats to draw insights specifically for fire and police departments. In administrative reporting, for example, without a digital reporting option, an employee or intern would have to go around to each vehicle to check the mileage manually, which is very time-consuming and prone to human error as well.
Creating Safer Streets
CIRRUS BY PANASONIC™ 2.0
• Industry-Leading Police Radar RADAR LIDAR
• Industry-Leading range and accuracy SPEED ENFORCEMENT
In pursuit situations, police departments typically have two vehicles, a ‘frontrunner’ or primary vehicle and then a backup vehicle that follows behind at a slightly slower pace. If the front vehicles throws an engine code, such as a cylinder misfiring, fleet managers want to know that kind of information in real time, before the vehicle stalls or crashes, so they can replace it. In these instances, dispatch can tell the backup vehicle to ‘tap in’ and take over the pursuit. Real-time data with CIRRUS 2.0 allows officers to take meaningful action by putting critical information into a practical workflow, such as popping up in the vehicle’s CAD system or the officer’s phone via text message. Telling fleet managers and officers what they need to know about their vehicles when it matters helps prevent accidents and/or injuries. Patrol vehicles sitting in a lot, not being used is a completely different set of circumstances compared to them being in a pursuit when the safety of the public and the driver is important, ultimately when lives are at stake. Being able to turn things on and off in the architecture depending on what’s happening in the environment is a key differentiator that the CIRRUS 2.0 platform is building out against some of the traditional methods that have been used in this space.
For officers who take their vehicles home at night, an engine code may go unnoticed for days, weeks, even months. The ability to alert fleet managers when a vehicle needs to be pulled in for service in real time allows the fleet managers to order necessary parts and get the vehicle in and scheduled for service and back on the road ASAP. Another key feature of the CIRRUS 2.0 platform is the ability to have very noticeable digital versions of common yet important roadway signs appear in-vehicle. Examples of these may be warning of curve speed ahead and construction lane closures, watch for deer, and the like. As with some GPS programs, alerts for traffic accidents can also appear, enabling ample time to reduce speed. Statistics show that first responders are more often killed when they are outside on the scene of incidents compared to traditional line-of-duty events. The ultimate goal of the CIRRUS platform is to take the wealth of information from connected vehicles and make the driving experience safer for everyone. This type of advanced technology can ultimately be the difference between life and death.
The CIRRUS 2.0 is currently available in the United States and Canada. Panasonic offers extensive customer support, training, and software & services division for the CIRRUS and TOUGHBOOK platforms.
2025 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR® UTILITY
CIRRUS BY PANASONIC™ 2.0: Making mobility scalable, safer, and more efficient for police
Panasonic Connect TOUGHBOOK®: The ultimate rugged laptop
The Panasonic Connect TOUGHBOOK® rugged laptop is deployed a majority of first-responder vehicles in the United States. The new 14-inch fully rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40 offers unprecedented flexibility in even the most demanding and uncertain environments with eight modular areas, including its innovative modular expansion packs (xPAKs). Optical drives, authentication readers, IO ports, and the Barcode Reader xPAK are all user-upgradeable.
Featuring state-of-the-art design and technology, the TOUGHBOOK 40 optimizes thermals for maximum performance to ensure it will withstand the test of time. It is the first AI-enabled TOUGHBOOK PC featuring an Intel processor with dedicated NPU to optimize AI performance. It also has an optional dedicated GPU, up to 64GB of RAM, up to 4TB of storage, all-day battery life, four microphones, colorselectable backlit keyboard, 95db speakers, and choice of two cellular modems. The 4G modem provides up to 2Gbps and the 5G modem adds support of 5G Sub6, and C-band with speeds up to 4.1Gbps. It also has the ability to seamlessly connect to the best available network without any disruption or loss of connectivity.
Key Features Include:
• First AI-enabled TOUGHBOOK PC featuring an Intel processor with dedicated NPU to optimize AI performance
• Innovative modular design and user-removable expansion packs for unparalleled customization
• State-of-the-art design optimizes thermals for effortless performance
• Class leading 95db speakers, 5MP infrared webcam with privacy cover and tetra-array microphones
• Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66 design built with magnesium alloy
In addition, Panasonic offers a comprehensive subscription program for the TOUGHBOOK.
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
by Brad Brewer (Police Fleet Professional Staff)
Police Fleet Expo 2024 (PFE) brought together and connected the largest group of Police Fleet Professionals with vehicle manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers from across the country in the beautiful city of Fort Worth, Texas.
Celebrating a 20th anniversary milestone, PFE set a new attendance record at both the Expo (at the Fort Worth Convention Center) and DriveX (the ride and drive event held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas).
Fort Worth is approximately 30 miles from Dallas. The Stockyards National Historic District is the section of the city that gives Fort Worth the “Cowtown” part of its identity. Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, was the site of one of the popular networking events, sponsored by SoundOff Signal, Setina Manufacturing, 911 Circuits, and Intermotive Vehicle Controls.
Federal Signal hosted a welcome reception at the Omni Hotel. After checking in, guests relaxed and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, with an opportunity to sit on a life-
sized mechanical horse and rope a mechanical calf. Whelen Engineering treated attendees to a fun-filled networking event at Second Rodeo
Brewing for a night of live music and great southern cuisine. Code 3, Westin, and Printek shuttled attendees to River Ranch Stockyards for a ranch-style networking event with several Western-themed activities. PFE extends a heartfelt thank you to all these great sponsors who, once again, provided nightly networking events that attendees love!
This year’s DriveX was held at the
impressive Eagles Canyon Raceway, located 50 miles from the convention center. This is a full-size raceway with amazing road courses, skid pads, and off-road courses. The road track provided a challenging course that is used by many OEMs to test their new products. The huge off-road area allowed for a professionally made custom course, specifically for the PFE event.
Police Fleet Expo extends a special thank you to the team at R&R Off Road School, who conducts their school out of the Eagles Canyon Track. They stepped up to allow attendees to use two of their Ford Bronco Raptors and one of their F150 Raptors. The lineup never ended, as attendees took advantage of the excellent professional off-road driver training that came along with every trip around the track. The professionals at R&R did a superb job and if anyone is looking for off-road driver training, they are outstanding: https:// randroffroad.com
On the road track side, GM Envolve had a full lineup of vehicles including the first-ever Pursuit Rated Blazer EV PPV. Fleet Professionals
RECORD SETTING CROWD AT PFE 2024
have been waiting to be able to drive the Blazer and they were not disappointed at DriveX this year. The lineups for the Blazer PPV, Silverado PPV, and Tahoe PPV were nonstop, and for many, this was the first time to see, touch, and drive these very new GM police products. This was also a first look at the refreshed 2025 Tahoe PPV. The fit and finish on the 2025 Tahoe PPV was very impressive, especially the interior on this new version, which was updated for 2025. All three new PPV vehicles are now providing that massive 17-inch navigation screen inside with every possible option available. Built in Arlington, Texas, it’s no wonder the Tahoe PPV sells out every single year.
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Ford Pro had several vehicles available: the refreshed 25 PIU and F-150 Police Responder for on-road testing, and the F-150 Police Responder and Expedition SSV for off-road testing. The Mach-E was very popular with attendees at this year’s track day. The big draw for Ford Pro was the Bronco and F150 Raptors on the off-road course. It’s rare you get a chance to drive one of these specialized vehicles on an off-road course designed by highly skilled instructors, but PFE continues to expand the vehicles and training it offers its attendees at every new show. The Ford Bronco is becoming more popular in law enforcement with several California agencies buying them for Beach Patrol and Desert Patrol.
Dodge Law/Stellantis had the Dodge Durango Pursuit and Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles on display and at the road course track. The big news this year is that Stellantis brought the Jeep Wagoneer L Unmarked Investigation SUV. Intended for government duties, the Wagoneer L Unmarked Investigation SUV was designed with versatility in mind. The Police Wagoneer was available for many to drive on the road course and some Durangos were available for the off-road course along with some RAM pickups. Dodge Law had a Wagoneer set up at the track and on the Expo floor to allow Fleet Professionals the chance to not only look and feel but drive it. Vendor Village was back at DriveX with several police vehicle equipment vendors displaying the latest police vehicle equipment. Attendees had the opportunity to stop by each vendor and see products installed on an actual vehicle and get a feel for exactly how the equipment works, installs, and functions.
The Tesla Cybertruck made its official debut at PFE this year. The Cybertruck is bulletproof and has a “nearly impenetrable exoskeleton” made of stainless steel and polymer-layered composite to absorb impact. The vehicle also has a lifted suspension, upgraded wheels, spotlights, and outside visibility lights and sirens. UP.FIT, a Southern California company that modifies Tesla
WHELEN ENGINEERING
products for law enforcement, recently unveiled the first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicle. They are currently taking orders for the Cybertruck Patrol vehicle with a delivery date set for late 2024 (or early 2025). UP.FIT also offers training and behindthe-wheel experiences for field training officers, EVOC instructors, and technical maintenance staff. The Irvine Police Department in Orange County, California, is one of the first police departments in the country to add a Cybertruck to its fleet.
keep attendees hydrated. On the ride back to the Omni Hotel, Setina delighted passengers with some refreshingly cold beer. PFE greatly appreciates the continued support of these two long-term sponsors.
With so much buzz around Police Fleet Expo 2024, the Expo set a new attendance record, with more than 95 exhibitors (including 30 new exhibitors). Some of these exhibitors had never been to PFE while others were returning after a short hiatus.
One of the staple events at DriveX every year is the Bridgestone Driving Experience and complimentary lunch. This is an opportunity to test-drive Dodge Durangos with the latest Firestone Firehawk Police Pursuit tires. During this exercise, attendees had the opportunity to compare the Firehawk against other tires and feel the difference. This is a rare opportunity to compare apples-to-apples when it comes to testing tires: same location, same track, same vehicles, same conditions. The Eagles Canyon skid pad was specifically designed for this type of testing, which created an incredibly unique driving experience.
A motorcycle course was back at DriveX this year, with Ryvid and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Attendees lined up to experience the next generation of law enforcement patrol vehicles for state and local organizations.
PFE extends a special thank you to Setina Manufacturing and Magnetic Mic. With the track temperatures around 97 degrees for most of the day, Magnetic Mic’s bottled water stations helped
PFE offered over eight full hours of Expo floor time so attendees could see the new vehicles, new vehicle products, and vehicle accessories. Some new exhibitors were Emerge Services (who provides upfitting services as a fully authorized Fed Sig Signature Partner), Haloz 36 (which is also an upfitter often using Code3 products), Ryvid Electric Motorcycles (who offer some incredible E-bike alternatives for dedicated Law Enforcement missions), and Utilitac (who also do national upfitting contracts with turnkey solutions for every possible agency requirement).
Day one at the massive Fort Worth Convention Center kicked off with opening remarks by Pete Kingwill (Principal/Founder of Signal Business Group, which owns PFE) and Neil Noakes, Police Chief of the Fort Worth Police Department, who has been with the department since 2000.
GM Envolve, Dodge Law/Stellantis, and Ford Pro all had OEM Sessions in front of the entire PFE audience. These sessions were packed, and questions were plenty, as returning attendees know
TESLA CYBERTRUCK MADE ITS DEBUT AT PFE THIS YEAR!
this is their “one-stop shop” to ask Sales, Marketing, or Engineering anything about specific product issues.
The best part of these sessions is that attendees don’t hold back, and they are full of robust and valuable questions along with discussions around ongoing issues. Every year, these sessions are not only valuable to the OEMs but just as valuable to each of the agencies. Attendees get to hear similar issues at other agencies and how they solved or did not resolve the issue yet. These manufacturers’ sessions are also well-known for myth-busting rumors and misinformation that’s out there. The OEMs are straight and forthcoming with product information such as delays, recalls, part availability, and production inventory forecasts. So, if the information you need isn’t readily available, then these sessions are a must for next year, as it’s the one place you can fact-check almost anything.
PFE hosted three days of vital topical training sessions designed specifically for Police Fleet Professionals, at all levels. Topical sessions ranged from Fleet Management 101 for those new to the position, to more advanced class offerings dealing with the critical issues facing the fleet industry. All of this is in addition to the invaluable Agency Dialogue Sessions. In past years, PFE divided these sessions into three levels: Small Agency (Agency with 25 vehicles or less); Medium Agency (Up to 100 vehicles); and Large Agency (Over 100 vehicles).
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
This year, after lots of attendee feedback, PFE removed the Medium Agency session and added it to the Large Agency session. These sessions are a much more intimate setting for discussions around the minutia issues that are affecting agencies day-to-day. Lots of practical dialogue between Mechanics, Upfitters, and Fleet Managers, as well representatives of Ford Pro, Dodge Law, GM Envolve, BMW, Ryvid, and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Problem-solving is paramount at these sessions, and they are always packed because these are opportunities most Fleet Professionals don’t get to experience. Where else would you get a chance to hear directly from the very people that design your law enforcement vehicles and motorcycles?
PFE 2024 Fort Worth was a huge success and as PFE continues to grow, so does the knowledge base of the attendees. There is simply no other place in the world for Law Enforcement Fleet Managers to get this much information in one exciting event!
Save the Date: PFE 2025 will be in Birmingham, Alabama, August 18–21, 2025…See you there!
PRO-GARD PRODUCTS
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
SAVE-THE-DATE
AUGUST 18-21, 2025 | BIRMINGHAM,
ALABAMA
Discover cutting-edge innovations, test-drive the latest vehicles, and connect with leaders shaping the future of law enforcement fleets. From exclusive sessions to hands-on demos, this is the ultimate experience for police fleet professionals.
GM ENVOLVE HOSTS ASSEMBLY PLANT TOUR IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS
By Brad Brewer (Police Fleet Professional Staff)
Every year, Police Fleet Expo (PFE) provides a unique experience that earmarks the host city and its association to PFE. This year, PFE (in conjunction with General Motors Envolve) offered a very special opportunity to see the General Motors Arlington, Texas Assembly Plant. The plant has been building the retail big SUVs for decades as well as the PPV Tahoe for law enforcement. PFE used a lottery system to hand-select a range of full-pass attendees. Only 20 were able to attend, as GM does not normally allow tours of the plant, especially as the plant is currently undergoing its transition to the new 2025 model year vehicles.
GM Envolve hosts Ken Kennedy (Police/Government Sales) and Cindy Towe (Manager/ Government Sales) arranged this special event, and it was simply
amazing. After arriving at the plant, attendees boarded a special transportation vehicle. As the tour wound through the various stages of production, attendees had a superb host on the loudspeaker who provided a detailed explanation of the various production lines and assembly points along the tour. Once attendees arrived at the station where body meets the chassis, they were allowed to photograph the process. The Arlington Assembly Plant, which opened in 1954, is massive, covering 5.7 million square feet on 250 acres.
Arlington Assembly is home to every new full-size ICEpowered SUV in GM’s product lineup, which are sold all around the world. Arlington Assembly produces the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Yukon and Yukon XL; and the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV,
GM ENVOLVE HOSTS ASSEMBLE PLANT TOUR IN ARLINGTON TEXAS
and Escalade V. It exports these vehicles to more than 30 countries. The plant currently employs over 5,600 employees, and it has employed tens of thousands since opening in 1954. It currently operates six days a week over three shifts.
Just a few weeks before PFE – Ft. Worth 2024 took place, Arlington Assembly celebrated their 70th anniversary with a major milestone. Arlington Assembly produced its 13 millionth vehicle. The milestone vehicle was a 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V powered by a 682-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. Arlington Assembly is the exclusive assembly site for GM’s full-size gas and diesel-powered SUVs, which have dominated the full-size SUV segment for nearly 50 years.
“Milestones like these are met only through the dedication, determination, and skill of our employees,” said John Urbanic, Plant Executive Director. “We can’t thank our employees enough for what they do every day. We build each vehicle as if it were our own and value every customer.”
refreshments during the tour. Arlington Assembly has produced many iconic vehicles over its 70-year history, including the Pontiac Chieftain, Chevrolet Bel Air, Pontiac GTO, Cadillac Brougham, and Buick Regal. The plant converted to truck production in 1997, and a stamping facility that produces all the major exterior and mating interior panels was added to the
Attendees had an opportunity to take their photo with the 13 millionth vehicle, receive a commemorative shirt and challenge coin, and enjoy
In 2019, the plant produced its 12 millionth vehicle. The plant has undergone numerous investments over the years, totaling $1.9 billion, since 2014. A thoroughly modernized body shop (equipped with 1,450 robotic welders) was initiated in 2020. GM Envolve employs over 9,000 in the state of Texas and generated nearly $1.2 billion in taxable wages in 2023. Additionally, GM Envolve works with 550 suppliers and has over 300 dealers in Texas. “This plant is an integral part of Arlington’s history and its economy, both for the thousands of good-paying jobs created for our residents over the decades and our community’s great pride in the world-class vehicles that roll off the assembly line each day right here in The American Dream City,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. “The long-standing partnership between the City of Arlington and General Motors is a testament that we are truly better together. We can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
OME TRUSTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR COMMUNICATION NEEDS TO
PRYME RADIO ACCESSORIES
By Kim Myade
By Kim Myade
Ossipee Mountain Electronics (OME) counts on the consistent quality and service of PRYME Radio Accessories to support dependable public sector communications for the New Hampshire Department of Safety, State Marine Patrol, and Administrative Office of the Courts, as well as in the private sector for Mount Sunapee Resort.
The rural New England region presents a unique communications landscape compared to more densely populated states. The infrastructure to support wireless network coverage is not widely available, therefore communicating via push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) has not been an option. Nevertheless, interoperable two-way radio has more than met the area’s critical communication needs.
Thus, for the last half century, Ossipee Mountain Electronics (OME) has specialized in providing two-way radio communication solutions to clients across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Over the years, OME has grown to two locations each with fully staffed service and support departments and has become one of the most respected wireless dealers in New England.
OME serves clients in both the private and public sectors; however, the lion’s share are public safety and government agencies. For instance, the New Hampshire Department of Safety relies on OME to support the Motorola two-way radios that many branches use, including the State Police, Fire Marshal, and Bomb Squad. They also look to OME for audio accessory solutions.
Stephanie Porusta, Vice President at OME said, “Aftermarket and OEM accessories aren’t always the best fit for critical communications. That’s why our go-to resource is PRYME. We know their two-way radio
accessories are backed by consistent quality and service.”
Recently, New Hampshire State Marine Patrol heard that other Department of Safety branches were using PRYME accessories and approached OME to find a solution that would block loud noises, while enabling focused hearing when patrolling the waters, especially during high tourist season. OME recommended PRYME’s Listen-only Acoustic Tube Earphones to go with the patrol’s Motorola speaker mics, and the rest is history.
In another recent win, the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) needed to equip bailiffs with twoway radio accessories that would allow discreet communications when court was in session. Again, OME went to PRYME for a solution and chose the 1-Wire Surveillance Style Lapel Mic with SNAP Connector for Kenwood Radios and a proprietary Braided Fiber cable technology that comes with a lifetime warranty.
When PRYME first introduced the Braided-Fiber cables, OME saw a need for a different version. Because PRYME has the unique ability to develop custom products, OME knew they could approach them with the idea.
Dave George, PRYME’s President/Chief Technologist said, “We want to be part of the solution, not just sell stuff. If we don’t have what clients need, we’ll try to make it for them or else refer them to someone who does. We never just stick a band-aid on the problem and call it a day.”
Beyond public safety, OME also serves a mix of private enterprises such as the Mount Sunapee Resort, which has 233 skiable acres, 67 trails, and several terrain parks. Over the years, Mount Sunapee has made extensive upgrades to its grooming fleet, including outfitting groomers with hearing protection through OME with PRYME’s Dual Earmuff Headsets that also allow teams to communicate in remote mountainous areas.
“Consistency, timeliness, and flexibility are crucial in our business,” said Porusta. “If we request samples, PRYME obliges. If we need products, PRYME delivers. We never have to wait for anything with PRYME and, unlike other accessory companies, PRYME’s dealer program is more than fair.”
Kim Miyade is the Founder/CEO of A Consortium, Atypical Marketing in Action. https://aconsortium.net/
ABOUT PRYME
Headquartered in Brea, Calif., PRYME is a foremost manufacturer of specialized mobile communication accessories for professionals in every industry sector. PRYME designs, engineers, and builds premium quality wireless and wired audio accessories, which support virtually every two-way radio model and push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) application. PRYME is known for innovating new technologies and developing customized products to meet almost any end-user need. PRYME President and Chief Technologist Dave George is an industry thought leader who has been published extensively, holds 29 patents, and is the inventor of multiple awardwinning PRYME products. Learn more at www.pryme. com. Follow PRYME on Facebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT OSSIPEE MOUNTAIN ELECTRONICS
For 48 years, OME has been servicing municipalities, public & private industry, businesses and individuals throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont and is known to be associated with some of the most popular and respectable names in the two-way communications, emergency lighting, and electronics industries. OME is ‘Selling Better Solutions’. Learn more at www.omesbs.com.
8NEW PRODUCTS WEKNOWYOUWILLLOVE!
By Kirk Moen (PFP Staff)
Police Fleet Professionals...
Vehicle Storage Solutions
Police Fleet Professionals are constantly looking for new ways to organize and maximize vehicle storage capabilities. Many companies offer creative, durable and secure storage solutions for law enforcement including underseat lockers, cargo storage/ security drawers and secure storage for firearms and tactical gear.
Here are a few products worth checking out.
TruckVault Delivers Customizable, Secure Storage Solutions for Law Enforcement Fleets
TruckVault offers premium secure storage solutions tailored to the needs of law enforcement professionals seeking both security and efficiency in the field. The systems are designed to fit every make and model of vehicle, ensuring easy integration into existing fleets. With a wide array of standard solutions and endless customizable options, TruckVault provides storage for firearms, tactical gear, and specialized equipment like drones. The durable construction and secure locking features ensures protection in any scenario. From complex customs to efficient designs built for fleets, TruckVault covers it all.
To learn more, visit www.truckvault.com.
Tufloc’s TufBox...Durable, Easily Installed Security Drawers for SUVs and Cruisers
TufBox security drawers, from Tufloc, are a rugged, easy-to-install storage solution for all law enforcement SUVs and cruisers. Constructed from heavygauge, powder-coated steel that can withstand the demands of every-day use, the Tufbox can be quickly installed without drilling or other extensive modifications. The base stand for SUVs allows access to the spare tire while also creating additional usable space that can be maximized with an optional TufBox storage bin. Secured with a keyed lock or combination/key lock, the Tufbox drawer provides convenient storage for guns, equipment, evidence and more. Multiple options are available to optimize the drawer for department or personal preferences.
To learn more, visit www.tufloc.com.
Introducing the OPS Public Safety EZ-Energy Response Center
Our hybrid EZ-Energy solution allows the trailer to run high-power amenities off-grid, including air conditioning, heating, and microwaves—powered by integrated solar panels and batteries—without relying on shore power or noisy generators. For additional power, users can easily switch to the 7.5KW Diesel ONAN generator or connect to shore power. Inside, aluminum cabinets provide organized storage, and premium decking sits on a 16” center frame. The trailer is also equipped with 7K tandem axles and spray foam insulation for energy efficiency. Safety is enhanced with LED DOT and scene lighting. Designed to support first responders, the EZ-Energy Response Center is an essential asset for developing safer, more resilient communities.
To learn more, visit www.opspublicsafety.com
Equip your team with the confidence they need to stay safe while keeping up. Designed to protect and perform no matter the conditions, our pursuit-ready tire lineup is prepared to take on the demands of the job by your side.
Visit BATOGovTires.com for more information.
Secure Storage From BOSS StrongBox
The BOSS StrongBox pull-out drawer #7129-1440 is specifically engineered to provide a secure storage solution for long guns, less-lethal equipment, and other sensitive gear, while maximizing available open cargo space for non-secure items. The drawer can be used in the Ford PIU, Dodge Durango, Chevy Tahoe and other vehicles with available space. All BOSS StrongBox units feature our proprietary 3-point latching system, designed for enhanced security and durability.
To learn more, visit www.BossStrongBox.com
Strong, Reliable, and Secure: Meet Pro-gard’s Cargo Storage Drawers
Pro-gard is excited to announce the full launch of its Cargo Storage Drawers, featuring a stackable, modular design, locking slides, and protective rubber mats. These lightweight aluminum drawers come in large and small sizes with multiple locking options: electronic lock, manual T-handle lock, or no lock. They are available with an accessory top for securing gear, a slide-out electronics tray, and Magpul DAKA GRID integration for enhanced organization. Compatible with the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, Chevy Tahoe, and Dodge Durango.
To learn more, visit www.pro-gard.com
CopBox Cabinets...From CTech Manufacturing
Introducing the last cargo storage solution your department will ever need! CopBox Cabinets, crafted by CTech Manufacturing, combine innovative features with lightweight construction to provide law enforcement professionals with the ultimate blend of performance and efficiency. MotionLatch™ doors and drawers offer quick access to equipment when every second counts. With factory mounting points and QuickLink mounting plates, CopBox Cabinets are easily transferred to new vehicles. Departments large or small can put the power of CopBox Cabinets to work by contacting Defender Supply today, one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable upfitters.
To learn more, visit www.ctechmanufacturing.com.
New Estes AWS Underseat Locker for Pickup Trucks Provides Safe, Convenient Weapons Storage
Estes AWS announces the latest addition to the company’s comprehensive line of vehicle storage solutions with the introduction of its new underseat lockers for pickup trucks. Designed for Ford, Ram and GMC trucks, the Estes AWS product is an innovative solution that provides safe, secure weapons storage while conserving cab space. Lockers install on existing hard-point mounts under the rear seat in less than 10 minutes using simple tools with no cutting or drilling required. The slide-out compartment interior measures 40” wide, 4” tall and 12” deep and is carpeted to protect weapons in a sleek, tamper- and theft-resistant locker that is out of sight. Like all Estes AWS products for sedans and SUVs the American-designed and manufactured underseat locker is made with galvannealed steel for maximum security and features a textured powdercoat finish.
To learn more, visit www.estesaws.com
Discover The Latest TRANS MAX 2024 From Setina
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION stands out in SUVs and Trucks, seamlessly integrating Single
Prisoner
Transport with SmartBelt technology and Interior Cargo Storage. Setina’s innovative design ensures efficient transport, maximized storage and optimal functionality. The single prisoner transport seat is included with Dodge and GM models, requiring the installation of a separately sold front recessed partition. Among the exciting new features is a polycarbonate divider wall for containment in the single prisoner transport setup. In addition, it boasts a heavy-duty pull-out cargo drawer system, integrated radio and electronics storage and an aluminum driver’s side door panel. The transport seat is provided with Dodge and GM models, although installation requires the separately sold front recessed partition.
