Recently, the Officer Media Group attended SHOT Show 2020. I have always heard about it and always wanted to go and this year I had the opportunity. It was a great experience and an excellent way to network and learn more about the industry. You will find our coverage of the show in the Law Enforcement Technology March 2020 issue.
There, we discuss the importance of upgrading equipment within departments as well as some of the new devices out there that increase situational awareness. Just as it is imperative to have updated training and the right amount of training to get the job done, it is equally important to have reliable and upgraded tools. Motorola’s APX NEXT brings the classic, rugged radio into the future by featuring a touch screen on the back of the traditional rugged radio. In addition, it automatically picks up signals to provide workability so officers can rest assured they will have coverage and be able to communicate no matter where they are. Other new products out there such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55 as well as other devices focus on officer safety making them even more desirable for departments. Along with equipment upgrades we look at that latest in vehicle lighting and new features are included in 2020 fleet units.
One way to increase the likelihood of your department acquiring new equipment is through grants. At the end of last year, several agencies in Georgia were awarded grants for a variety of equipment. I spoke with Officer Benjamin Taylor and Lieutenant R. Shane Barkley regarding how they obtained this funding and how it helped their department. In addition, Undersheriff Mike Wood of the Lincoln County (NM) Sheriff’s Department shares how their department handles successful equipment upgrades.
Upgrading equipment allows your personnel to stay safe and maintain situational awareness, but actually increases it as well.
Stay safe.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
