Public safety agencies are pros at maximizing their resources to go above and beyond with less, and the new trends in emergency vehicle equipment reflect that ability.
One common theme across the newest products is that they pack as much power into as small a device or as little space as possible. From three-in-one exterior lights for police cruisers to small mobile radios with oversized controls for firefighters, equipment is working harder, not larger, to keep first responders safe.
The start of a new year is always an exciting time to look ahead at new features and functionality, so here are some emergency vehicle equipment trends for 2017:
Exterior Lights that Do (Almost) Everything
Code 3 has introduced one of their most versatile lights to date, the M180, which offers three products in one compact profile: an Intersection Light, a Takedown Light and a Puddle Light.
The narrow, flexible shape means the M180 can be mounted on a variety of vehicle locations, including under the side mirror, in the front of the side mirror, and on the side window.
M180 features include:
- Models that are single color or multicolor
- 29 single color flash patterns
- 69 multicolor flash Patterns
One Device That Does Do Everything…
Another key consolidation trend involves Getac tablets. These lightweight ruggedized devices are compatible with fire and police department CAD systems and have fast wifi, as well as optional GPS.
…With Cradle Options to Match
To add to ruggedized tablets’ versatility, Havis has released a specialized, space-saving cradle for use inside vehicles. The cradle body and leg retainers are built to match tablets’ durability, with security features to deter and prevent theft.
The cradles are compatible with 7-inch to 9-inch tablets.
Tailored Mobile Radios
For years, firefighters have let mobile radio manufacturers know that their communications needs are unique enough that they need their own devices. Motorola has responded with APX series radios built for and with firefighters.
Firefighter-specific features include:
- Bright impact-green color to enhance visibility in tough conditions
- Oversized ergonomic controls that can be easily handled even when wearing gloves
- Highly ruggedized structure customized for mobile mounting.
Storing More with Less Space
Given how hard emergency vehicles need to work, it’s important to maximize all of their available space.
Lund Industries has a gun vault storage solution for the Ford Police Interceptor-Utility and Chevy Tahoe that fits in the previously unused space above the window line and up to the headliner in the rear section of the vehicles. The Loft provides secure weapon storage while fitting neatly out of the line of sight through the rearview mirror.
Setina also offers a compact firearm mounting device for vehicles that it calls “one of the most professionally guarded weapon mounts on the market.” The Vaultlock is specifically for complex firearms and is designed to keep the magazine and trigger inaccessible for a range of weapons and accessories.
