Effective decision-making during a public safety operation depends on several factors. Accurate, rapid communication and complete situational awareness are fundamentals of a successful response. Of course, the chaotic nature of emergency response often interferes with good communication and intelligence-gathering. Unpredictable events and the demands of scene management make for a daunting task.
Enter the mobile operations center. Command vehicles provide decision-makers with on-site infrastructure for emergency management. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of a mobile command center. We will also go over the command vehicle options that FLYMOTION provides and answer the basics of “what is a mobile operations center?”
Command Center Best Practices
While the bulk of public safety operations may not require specialized resources, high-risk calls, on the other hand, do require specialized resources. Hostage negotiations, mass-casualty incidents, and wildfires are examples of these calls. All require large amounts of resources and as we already mentioned, managing them is a challenge. Bringing command staff on-scene makes the decision-making process more efficient. Everybody stays informed as developments occur and establishes a clear command structure during the incident.
UAS teams are specialized resources that benefit from a command center. The flow of information between UAV and first responder becomes more efficient with supporting infrastructure, ranging from large displays to live high-definition video streaming solutions.
Building Your Mobile Command Center
Define Your Mission
Numerous command vehicle designs are available. However, the only command center that matters is the one that works best for your agency. That’s why defining your mission profile is critical before choosing a platform. What will you use the command center for? When will you use it? How often? What are your size constraints? In terms of personnel, how many workstations will be required?
Determine Your Budget
Budget is the next important consideration to make in this process. In addition to the type of command center, it decides on included features. Having a complete needs assessment will identify those features.
Design Your Chassis
Take time to think about your agency’s workflow. Collaborate with the individuals who use the vehicles the most. What works best for them? Which layout maximizes their operational efficiency?
Service Matters
Building a command vehicle is an involved process that takes time. Communication between client and builder is essential for the success of the project. FLYMOTION prides itself on going above and beyond to meet our clients’ deadlines and quality standards. We assign a dedicated vehicle specialist to each project to work with your agency from initial concept to final delivery.
Command Vehicle Options
TRIDENT Series
Built on the proven chassis of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the TRIDENT Series is a complete mobile command van for public safety and government agencies. With an extensive communication and electro-optical package, TRIDENT centralizes intelligence feeds and decision-making to manage the response until the mission is complete.
Main TRIDENT Features:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis
- Collapsible mast with stabilized optical and thermal camera turrets
- 360-degree situational awareness cameras
- LTE and Satellite connectivity
- Live HD Video Streaming
- Onboard power generation
- Electronic retractable awning
- Multiple workstations for command staff
- Large monitors
- Emergency and scene lighting
MAVERICK
For agencies that need a rapidly deployable command vehicle, MAVERICK is the answer. Using the trusted Chevrolet Tahoe PPV chassis, MAVERICK provides first responders with a fast, maneuverable, and cost-effective platform to establish command at any operation. Outfitted with video streaming capabilities and a complete communication suite, MAVERICK bridges the gap between rudimentary command posts and larger command platforms like TRIDENT.
Main MAVERICK Features:
- Dependable Chevrolet Tahoe PPV chassis
- Live HD video transmission
- Cellular bonding
- Custom radio suite
- Configurable command design
- Emergency and scene lighting
OVERWATCH
OVERWATCH is a mobile command trailer made for situations requiring command staff to be present around the clock. Disaster response, for example, is a scenario that could last several days, if not weeks. A trailer-based platform is perfect for agencies who need a command post and a separate response vehicle. Or they may want a mobile operations center without the maintenance cost of a vehicle. Responders can set up command on the scene and use the towing vehicle to carry out other aspects of the operation.
Main OVERWATCH Features
- Tandem-axle trailer chassis
- Live HD video transmission
- Gigabit-class LTE connectivity
- Retractable awning
- Perimeter lighting
- Dedicated workstations for personnel
- Onboard power generation
Conclusion
Every agency benefits from some form of a command center vehicle. Successful coordination of response leads to threat mitigation and ultimately, more lives saved. If your agency is interested in building a command center, visit our website, or contact a FLYMOTION representative.
