The 2011 Cygnus Law Enforcement Innovation Award ceremony was held at the Metropolitan Club, high in the sky on the 66th Floor in the Willis Tower during the 2011 IACP Conference in Chicago.
Representatives of leading companies in the law enforcement industry were on hand and anxiously awaited the revealing of the winners of this year’s exclusive Award program. The Innovation Awards recognize new products and services introduced to the law enforcement market during the previous year. Manufacturers submit their newest and most inventive products for evaluation from a panel of independent law enforcement judges.
Each product is placed within a specific category, pitting each product against each other. These categories include Body Armor & Safety, Communications, Corrections, Firearms & Weapons, Firearms & Weapons Accessories, Forensics, Software, Surveillance, Tactical, Traffic Enforcement, Training, Uniforms & Apparel and - last but not least - Vehicles & Vehicle Accessories.
In addition to these categories, judges were also charged with selecting a single product from all entrants for the unique Paramount Award.
The Cygnus Law Enforcement Group is comprised of the properties of Cygnus Business Media dedicated to law enforcement. These include Law Enforcement Technology, Law Enforcement Product News, Officer.com, Enforcement Expo and the brand new Officer World Expo.
And the winners are (by category):
Body Armor & Safety
Winner: Brownells, QD-360-ID
“The QD-360-ID is a fluorescent yellow-green banner that identifies a non-uniformed officer during emergency situations. The identification banner stows inconspicuously and conveniently in a compact belt pouch that looks like a cell phone carrier and is easily deployed using the non-shooting hand.”
Finalists
- Brite-Strike Technologies, Inc., APALS-AIR
- Winter Walking, ICEGRIPS
Communications
Winner: GTS-Honeywell Batteries, Emergency Operations Charging Case (EOCC)
“The charging case is an organized and efficient means to simultaneously charge up to18 radios or batteries for command posts and emergency operations using either AC or DC power. The EOCC supports Motorola or Harris/MA-Com radios.”
Finalists
- PRYME Radio, Pryme WTX 500 Series
- Xacore, Threat4 x-6200 Series
Corrections
Winner: SECURITAS, INC., NO-SHANK General Population Security toothbrush
“This is a 1.8 gm, 4" long, skeleton handled, one piece toothbrush made of soft polymer that cannot be made into a stabbing weapon.”
Finalists
- Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Watchhound
- Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Wolfhound PRO
Firearms & Weapons
Winner: TASER International, TASER X2
“Designed for law enforcement by law enforcement as the most customer-drive ECD ever developed, the TASER X2 ECD incorporates the most requested capabilities in a simple, reliable system to protect life and prevent conflict.”
Finalists
- Laser Energetics, Inc., Dazer Laser GUARDIAN
- ALS Technologies, Inc., LMT 37/40mm Single Shot Launcher
Firearms & Weapons Accessories
Winner: Lancer Systems, L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine
“The L5AWM is a 5.56X45mm / .223rem magazine for semi-automatic rifles that accept STANAG 4179 magazines and is compatible with modern weapon systems; M4/M16/AR, HK416, SCAR-L / Mk16, Sig556 and the ARX160 to name a few.”
Finalists
- ATK Security and Sporting, Blackhawk! Taser X26 Duty Holster
- TWB Designs Inc., eMACS Ammo burner
Forensics
Winner: Fulcrum Biometrics, LLC., FbF mobileOne
“The FbF mobileOne is an affordable pocket sized digital biometric fingerprint collection accessory that snaps onto the Apple iPod or iPhone. The purpose of the mobileOne is to allow users to collection high quality (FBI PIV Compliant) fingerprints of suspects, detainees or even deceased individuals rapidly and efficiently.”
Finalists
- Ocean Systems, Omnivore
- Escent Technologies, LLC, ChemPrint
Software
Winner: LexisNexis, LexisNexis Accurint Mobile
“LexisNexis’ Accurint Mobile application connects government and law enforcement agencies to more than thirty billion public records and critical investigative tools needed to verify information in the field, and rapidly follow-up on new leads as they develop.”
Finalists
- Foray Technologies, Bag and Tag
- Innovative Data Solutions, Inc., PowerDMS STANDARDS
Surveillance
Winner: FreightWatch Security Net, Geo F2 Covert GPS Tracker
“The FreightWatch Geo F2 Covert Tracker is a covert GPS location tracking, monitoring and surveillance device. Based on gpsOne assisted location-position technology, the Geo F2 tracker operates in impaired environments with no clear view of the sky.”
Finalists
- BriefCam, BriefCam VS Enterprise
- 5.11 Tactical, COVRT 18
Tactical
Winner: Lenco Armored Vehicles, Lenco Gas Injector Unit
“The Lenco Gas Injector Unit (GIU) is a multi-use tool designed specifically for the safe dispersion of chemical agents into a hostile environment, including homes, automobiles and other hardened structures.”
Finalists
- Webster Innovations, LLC – TMK, Tactical Microphone Keeper
- Jersey Tactical Corp, JTC-CLAW
Traffic Enforcement
Winner: Kustom Signals Inc, ProLaser 4
“Smaller. Lighter. Faster. Faster target specific acquisition Three ways to power: four AA batteries, USB to PC cable, power cord adapter Superior optics, advanced software and narrower beam width provide exceptional performance.”
Finalists
- Tamiami International Equipment Inc., PORTABLE VEHICLE BARRIER (PVB)
- Affiniton, DrugWipe - Saliva Only
Training
Winner: Dummies Unlimited, Inc., SWAT TARGETS
“Our Life Size 3-D SWAT Targets take firearms training to a whole new level by adding REALISM to any firearms training program. Their Full Size 3-D appearance allows agencies to practice realistic shots at a 30 or 45 degree angle from either side, as well as straight on, creating realistic training scenario.”
Finalists
- Officer Under Fire, LLC, Perpetrator Shooting Target
- StressVest Corporation, StressVest
Uniforms & Apparel
Winner: Riverside Ventures LLC, The BadgeKeeper
“The BadgeKeeper provides support and stabilization to uniform badges for police, fire, EMS and security professionals. A secure badge will not hang loosely, drift to the side when wearing body armor, or get caught on equipment or other people when in close contact.”
Finalists
- Safety Innovations LLC, Walkieclip
- BandZorb, LLC, BandZorb Disposable Liners
Vehicles & Vehicle Accessories
Winner: Havis, Inc, Havis 2011 Ford Explorer K9 Transport Unit
“Havis 2011 Ford Explorer K9 Transport System truly delivers industry innovation firsts, as this model incorporates customer requests & input to modify and improve on all Havis unique design qualities. Maximizes officer/canine space & visibility, and allows driver seat to move all the way back for comfort.”
Finalists
- Rockwell Collins, iForce Integrated Public Safety Vehicle Solution
- Genetec, AutoVu SharpX
Paramount Award
Winner: Fulcrum Biometrics, LLC., FbF mobileOne
“The FbF mobileOne is an affordable pocket sized digital biometric fingerprint collection accessory that snaps onto the Apple iPod or iPhone. The purpose of the mobileOne is to allow users to collection high quality (FBI PIV Compliant) fingerprints of suspects, detainees or even deceased individuals rapidly and efficiently.”
Runners Up
- BriefCam, BriefCam VS Enterprise
- Ocean Systems, Omnivore
