N.Y. State Police to Deploy Mobile Command Vehicles

New York State Police will soon deploy quick mobile command vehicles to help officers during large scale emergencies and public events.

The state has acquired three of these trucks to enhance communication and coordination between first responders during natural disasters, emergency scenes, and large public events, New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico announced.

Each truck contains a six-person conference room and radio dispatch positions with computer workstations. Additional equipment in the truck includes radios that can communicate with city, county, and state againcies; cellular phones and data links; and satellite phones and a satellite data link when cellular service isn't available. It also includes a video downlink to view live video feed from state police helicopters.

The vehicles cost approximately $350,000 each and were funded by a federal grant through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. A fourth truck from the state's existing fleet has been upgraded to provide the same capabilities. The new trucks will be stationed in separate regions of the state and are expected to be deployed in the next few weeks.