When police respond to an emergency call, they are going into high-pressure situations. Not only are the officers subjected to danger, the vehicles are also put at risk for harm, racing through traffic, engaging in high-speed pursuits, or being subjected to severe impact crashes. While law enforcement vehicles are designed to protect officers in these scenarios, it’s essential to consider what happens to the equipment inside the vehicle, especially in the event of a crash. The stability, safety, and accessibility of this equipment are critical to ensuring that the law enforcement team remains effective, even in the face of an accident.
Why Is Equipment Stability During a Crash Important to Consider?
In the unfortunate event of a crash, law enforcement equipment needs to stay secure. Not only does this protect the officers and prevent injuries from flying objects, but it also ensures that the equipment remains functional and accessible during and after the incident. Equipment instability during a crash could lead to damage, making it impossible to access critical data that could be vital for investigations.
For instance, onboard cameras or mobile data terminals could be severely compromised, leading to loss of communication or an inability to gather evidence and complete necessary documentation. Unsecured equipment could also pose a safety hazard to the officers in the vehicle, leading to injuries or complications during an emergency response.
Things to Consider When Purchasing and Implementing Equipment
Proper planning is essential when outfitting a police vehicle with the tools and systems they need to do their job. Key considerations during the planning phase include:
- Mounting and Positioning: Equipment should be securely mounted to avoid shifting or damage during high-impact situations. It must also be positioned for optimal access.
- Accessibility: Equipment should be within easy reach for operation, even when the vehicle is in motion or in the aftermath of a crash.
Equipment Needs to Be Secure
Not all equipment is created equally when it comes to ability to withstand impact from a collision. If equipment is not designed to handle the forces of a crash, it may break, malfunction, or become a hazard in the vehicle.
Police vehicles are subjected to significant forces during accidents, including rollovers or side-impact collisions. Therefore, every piece of equipment needs to be securely fastened with mounts designed to protect it during these forces. Using industry-standard brackets and mountings ensures that your equipment remains in place when it is needed most.
Equipment Needs to Be Safely and Strategically Mounted
Mounting is not just about securing equipment. It should be installed in a way that optimizes its functionality during a crash. Considerations for strategic mounting include:
- Safety: Avoid mounting equipment where it could become a projectile or obstruct the officer’s ability to exit the vehicle or respond to a crisis.
- Accessibility: Ensure that equipment is placed within easy reach, minimizing the need for officers to strain, stretch, or remove their seat belts to access vital tools.
- Visibility and Functionality: Mounting should not obstruct the officer’s view. Controls and screens should be easily visible and accessible for safe and quick operation.
Equipment Should Be Accessible and Easy to Operate
In a stressful environment like law enforcement, quick access and ease of use are paramount. Whether it’s a camera system, mobile data terminal, or radar unit, officers need to be able to use their equipment seamlessly. In the aftermath of a crash, this becomes even more critical.
Law enforcement equipment that is intuitive to operate and strategically placed for easy access allows officers to continue their duties, whether they need to review video footage, gather data from an accident scene, or respond to further emergencies.
Kustom Signals Provides Innovative Solutions
Kustom Signals understands the importance of equipment stability during a crash. Our systems are designed with secure mounting systems that help keep systems safe during a collision. The mounts are crash-rated, ensuring that cameras, computers, and other onboard devices remain in place and operational at all times. This attention to detail means that officers can continue their work even after a crash, providing a crucial layer of protection.
Argus ICV: Detecting Crashes and Automatically Recording
The Argus ICV (In-Car Video) system offers a powerful solution for capturing reliable footage during critical incidents. The Argus ICV system is equipped with crash-detection technology, automatically triggering video recording when it detects the impact of a crash. This feature ensures that no important video evidence is lost during a high-speed incident or collision.
All of the Argus ICV equipment is rated for MIL-STD 810 for shock and vibration for mobile devices. The robust design is backed by the expert installation of our experienced and safety-focused team.
MDVR for the Argus ICV: Footage Storage
The Mobile Digital Video Recorder (MDVR) for the Argus ICV system is engineered for durability and stability. This means that in the event of a crash, the storage media has a much higher likelihood of survival. As a result, critical video footage, which can be used for investigations, legal proceedings, or training, remains secure and accessible after an accident or rollover.
Kustom Signals is a leader in providing reliable, high-performance law enforcement tools that are designed with officer safety and vehicle integrity in mind. By integrating Kustom Signals advanced equipment technology, departments can have peace of mind that their equipment is up to the challenge of any situation—keeping their officers protected and their operations efficient, even after a crash. Contact us to discuss your needs or request a quote today.