Mobile Command Center

MOBILE COMMAND CENTERS

Here at Matthews Specialty Vehicles, we are known as a leading specialty vehicle manufacturer. We stem from a legacy of greatness over the years our brand has been built on a keen focus on durability and reliability. We take pride in building mobile command vehicles that are used in a variety of situations for incident command across a multitude of industries, not only for police departments or law enforcement.

When emergencies or natural disasters occur whether they be man-made or not, a mobile command center becomes a vital component to any emergency response mission. While deploying manpower and equipment is important, managing the situation is critical to any mission. Where time is of the essence, a make-shift command center on the hood of a patrol car is less than ideal. Mobile command units are dispatched to a scene of an emergency to act as workstations and a hub for communications or to relay time-sensitive information.

Additionally, we can construct custom command post trailers or labs. The mobility of a self-contained trailer allows for the trailer to be inserted wherever it may be needed most. Following are some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating any mobile command vehicle.

DATA/VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

Every mobile command vehicle or trailer should have the capability of interoperable communications across any and all public safety frequencies or specifications. There are rarely deployments where there is only one agency or jurisdiction involved. As seen on 9/11, it is extremely important for this cross-communication and the use of plain language in lieu of ten-codes. Because of factors outside of control, there should also be redundant voice and data communications. This should include the use of satellite VoIP, cellular and landline connectivity. A well-equipped communications console will allow for dispatch and control over all radio traffic on-scene as opposed to off-site centralized dispatch.

VIDEO EQUIPMENT

A command post trailer or center should also have access to satellite television for important weather and news coverage. A telescopic mast with a camera allows for outer perimeter vehicle placement without the loss of incident monitoring. Tying this equipment into a video distribution system connected to all monitors, DVD or DVR’s and patched into a SMART or other brand electronic copy board will greatly improve after-action analysis and debriefing.

CONFERENCE AREA

In order to allow for critical incident management, a mobile command center should also have a comfortable and functional conference area. The introduction of NIMS/ICS brought major changes to the way natural and man-made disasters are managed. Most notably, there is a greater priority placed on bringing other functional areas into the briefings. Today’s hurricane response unit may very well have someone one from law enforcement, fire, emergency management, military, budget & planning, department of transportation or any other areas that may need consideration.