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28 Law Enforcement Technology April 2014 www.officer.com SPECIALIZED VEHICLES it through the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes the Security of Defense to transfer excess DOD personal property to fed- eral, state and local law enforcement. The MRAP retails for $700,000 but cost the department $2,000. With mili- tary operations winding down over- seas, it raises the question of how many more vehicles will become available down the line. "Its primary purpose will be to transport and protect our SWAT operators during dangerous tactical responses, but we'll also use [it] as a rescue vehicle and command center. I really can't imagine a situation that the MRAP won't be able to handle," says Fort Pierce Police Chief R . Sean Baldwin. Assess your needs The rules of tactical response are changing. Light says his business was very niche in the beginning, but with each year that passes armored vehicles become standard operating procedure. "The days of running up to a door with a shield on your arm…are over. You don't have to do that anymore. You don't have to put yourself in harm's way like that. These trucks allow these guys to respond to situations in a different tactical way that keeps them safe." Lamb and Colwin firmly believe the rescue portion of their operation would not have been as successful without the vehicle and its tires. Says Lamb, "There's absolutely no doubt in my mind. I reached out to the foundation…and I said I can't prove this, but I'm pretty sure you saved lives on December 9." In the course of strategic planning Chief Lamb took a close look at Fond du Lac PD's needs and decided this was one piece of equipment that was worth its weight and cost. Less than three years ago the agency lost an officer who was feloniously shot and killed. Not far from home, cities Brookfield and Oak Creek saw active shooter incidents, each within a relatively short period of time. For him, it just made sense. "The simple fact of the matter is, we don't have the luxury of hoping for the best. We need to prepare for the worst. "Every chief or sheriff needs to decide what's best for their community. We just determined that based on… some experiences but also perceived threats, it was a resource we had to pur- sue, and we were fortunate enough to get it." ■ www.NOPTIC.com 1.888.NOPTIC-1 Current Patrolling Activities With the Assistance of the Allowing you to see further and clearer! Day or Night – This Force Multiplier Tool assists offi cers to protect and serve their community with greater effi ciency. Thermal Imaging technology allows detection of criminal activity in-progress that may otherwise go unseen. Spotlight Mounted and Record-ready, the NOPTIC Spotlight System provides offi cers a heightened awareness of their surroundings. Circle 38 on Reader Service Card COMPANY READER SERVICE NO. Lenco 39 Ring Power 40 For more information on these companies, circle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N LET_24-28_CoverArmoredVehicles0414.indd 28 3/20/14 2:04 PM