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Beyond the Patrol Car

Law enforcement vehicles come in all shapes in sizes. In addition to the traditional patrol vehicle or motorcycle, the following are other vehicles law enforcement officers use to keep the peace.

by Melanie Basich and Lauren Fletcher
March 11, 2011
Beyond the Patrol Car

The BearCat G3 provides 0.50 caliber armor protection with high ground clearance for aggressive off-road performance and maneuverability. It is used by SWAT and Special Ops teams at high security facilities for perimeter patrol and security.

3 min to read


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The BearCat G3 provides 0.50 caliber armor protection with high ground clearance for aggressive off-road performance and maneuverability. It is used by SWAT and Special Ops teams at high security facilities for perimeter patrol and security.

Lenco B.E.A.R. and BearCat ARVs

Lenco's BearCat and the larger B.E.A.R. (Ballistic Engineered Armored Response) Armored Response Vehicles (ARVs) are built on commercial truck chassis using commercial parts. Both ARVs have certified hardened steel armor and ballistic glass capable of multi-hits, blast-resistant floors, specially designed gunports, roof hatches, and multiple ingress/egress doors.

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The B.E.A.R. transports up to 15 personnel and can evacuate 25-30 persons. This is an ARV with multiple uses, including hostage rescue and tactical medical support. The interior compartment is capable of housing the logistics needs of most SWAT teams. Smaller than the B.E.A.R., the BearCat is well suited to easy maneuvering, particularly in urban and suburban environments with narrow streets. Both ARVs are capable of maintaining highway speeds.
Website: www.armoredtrucks.com/products-bearcat.aspx

The Oshkosh SandCat Tactical Protector Vehicle is a high-mobility tactical vehicle engineered to meet the challenges faced by tactical officers responding to high-risk situations like terrorist threats, hostage situations, drug interdictions, and gang activities.

Oshkosh Defense Tactical Protector Vehicle

With a 116-inch wheelbase, ground clearance of 13 inches, width of only 85 inches, and highway speed capabilities of over 75 mph, the Oshkosh Defense Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV) can operate on almost any city street or rural road. 

With selectable four-wheel drive, heavy-duty front axle and trailing-arm coil spring rear suspension, TPV doesn't need roads. The TPV's configurable interior can seat up to nine fully equipped tactical officers in comfort and safety. The Oshkosh TPV is built on a Ford F-550 chassis with a 365-hp V-10 gasoline engine. The Integrated Survivability System, rated to meet the standards for National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IV certification, is capable of stopping 7.62 armor piercing (AP) rounds, for both opaque and transparent armor, protecting officers and the citizens they're sworn to protect.

Website: www.oshkoshdefense.com/products/1/sandcat/12/tactical-protector-vehicle-tpv

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The Patriot3 RAID is a multi-purpose tactical transport system and deployment platform that allows teams to deploy into second and third story ports of entry.

Patriot3 RAID

The Patriot3 RAID (Rescue, Access, Intervention, Deployment) allows teams to deploy into second and third stories and perform hostage rescue operations, aircraft and bus assaults, and perimeter breaching.

The RAID is built on a Ford E-350 Cargo Van chassis with a diesel engine and a Quigley 4x4 transmission. It has upgraded tires and suspension. The interior is finished with tactical seating, storage, and lighting to accommodate 10 fully equipped tactical officers. The RAID is mounted with a Liberator Elevated Tactics System (ETS) ramp system for elevated tactical capabilities. Options include RETRAX Running Boards, FAST (Fast Rope System), SAS (Side Assault System), and NIJ Level III armor for the windshield and driver's window.

Website: www.patriot3.com/raid-elevated-deployment/

The Reeves' Incident Command Post (ICP) Trailer is a lightweight, mobile solution to bringing operations directly to the incident scene. Consisting of a state-of-the-art trailer and military-grade shelter that can be set up in minutes, the ICP ensures that responders have the space they need to handle any critical situation.

Reeves' Incident Command Post

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Reeves' Incident Command Post (ICP) is a trailer and shelter combination that allows law enforcement responders to establish a fully equipped interoperable incident command post through which multiple organizations can communicate with each other regardless of discrepancies in equipment and hardware.

With a starting weight of less than 3,000 lbs. and 12 inches of ground clearance, the ICP's lightweight, aerodynamic design can easily be towed behind most vehicles, even off road. Once at the scene, the rugged, military-grade shelter can be deployed with minimal personnel in minutes. Optional packages include satellite communications, Internet access, and an integrated command and control system.

Website: http://www.reevesems.com/sheltersystems/ReevesICPTrailer.aspx

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