NCJ Number
170697
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 24 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 41-42,44,46
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the planning for and the features of the Utah Department of Public Safety's mobile command post, an advanced communications center that can move over the State's heavy terrain to reach emergency scenes.
Abstract
The custom design of the mobile command post began with an assessment of not only the department's needs, but also the needs of all other departments within its jurisdiction that would eventually use the vehicle. A task force was formed to formulate and address such questions as the kind of equipment needed in the vehicle; the kind of vehicle it should be; its length; its size; and the kind of engine, radio, telephone, and computer capability it should have. Also important in the initial assessment was the creation of various scenarios in which the vehicle would be used and where these scenarios would occur within the State. After a month of assessing its challenges and needs, the task force developed seven criteria that would meet its assignment. Among the criteria were a multi-mission vehicle that could communicate under any circumstance, on any type of common frequency, and with the ability to focus resources in a specific area. At a cost of approximately $285,000, the vehicle purchased is highly advanced with the capability of changing as technology changes. The vehicle is 34 feet long, 8 1/2 feet wide, and almost 12 feet high. Powered by a 300 HP caterpillar turbo-charged diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, power steering, dual hydraulic brake system, and cruise control, the vehicle also has an automatic leveling system, a generator, and a 90-gallon fuel tank. The vehicle accommodates four 52-inch work stations, all of which are equipped with laptop computers networked together. This article provides guidelines for agencies considering the design and purchase of a similar vehicle.