By Ron LaPedis
Nothing gets a first responder’s blood pumping like reaching for the mic at the start of a Code 3 run only to find it isn’t where it belongs. While vehicle center consoles may not be top of mind, the right one can give the driver a substantial amount of safety and productivity.
These days, most agencies have moved away from squad cars to patrol SUVs. From the factory, these vehicles are set up for families with a bucket-sized storage area and enough cup holders for a family of four. When re-purposed for first responder use, whether patrol, sergeant, fire, or EMS, the stock interior just doesn’t cut it. Let’s face it, a first responder’s vehicle is their workspace, and it needs to be comfortable, organized and safe.
This workspace needs a durable console where their siren, traffic director, radios, computer, printer, business cards, handheld devices and writing instruments can safely be stored and quickly accessed.
Many first responders have a bat belt or vest full of equipment that won’t clear a stock console. Some jurisdictions have mandates that officers leave their firearms in the vehicle when entering a school or some businesses, so a secure handgun vault also might be required.
Because the 2021-2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) and Special Service Vehicle (SSV) are two of the most popular law enforcement vehicles in use today, Havis spent considerable time researching and testing to develop a custom-designed console for them: the new VSX console.
Even though these vehicles were designed for first responders, they still can be upfitted and this is where Havis saw an opportunity to serve those who protect and serve. Brett Young, Havis National Sales Manager for Public Safety, tells us that the new VSX console offers a first-rate experience for public safety professionals with an elevated level of aesthetics by redefining the vision of the public safety console from the ground up.
The advanced style of the Havis VSX console catapults public safety vehicle cabins into a new era, reimagining the workspace for public safety professionals. This progressive approach provides the user with a comfortable workspace by organizing control heads, cup holders and other essential equipment for public safety professionals.
The innovative console design incorporates the strength of steel with a lightweight engineered polycarbonate and offers these additional features:
- A heavy-duty steel floor-mounting structure provides a rigid framework for the console yet is 30% lower weight than a standard steel console
- Polycarbonate chassis mounts to the steel frame to offer a high degree of strength, impact resistance, and thermal performance
Options and accessories add even more versatility. For example, the integrated printer mount:
- Creates additional mounting space
- Retains access to OEM Controls
- Ergonomic access to printed reports
- Supports Brother PocketJet Printers
The internal pole mount supports laptops and tablets while optimizing visibility and passenger side comfort by keeping their seating area clear. Other options are a cardholder and pen well, side storage with built-in dual USB outlets, and 12v outlets on driver and passenger sides.
Available mount space includes 18" of 9" wide mounting space, 15" of 3.3" wide mounting space and finally an 8" nut track for external mounting of mic clips and other accessories on both driver and passenger sides. Integrated light and siren controllers are available for Whelen, Federal Signal, Code 3 and Soundoff equipment.
The VSX is completely modular. No printer? No problem! Don’t configure that option and you have an additional cubbyhole for something else. Popular combinations are pre-packaged to make it easier for purchasing agents. And don’t forget to add CUP2-100 to your order to make everyone happy – yes, even first responders need cupholders.
For more information, visit https://issuu.com/havisinc/docs/vsx_console_tahoe_sale_sheet and to configure your system, use this page: https://www.havis.com/product-category/featured-products/2021-2022-chevrolet-tahoe-vsx-console-series-featured-products/.
About the author
Ron LaPedis is an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer, NRA and California DOJ-certified instructor, works a pawnshop gun counter, is a uniformed first responder, and frequently writes and speaks on law enforcement, business continuity, cybersecurity, physical security and public/private partnerships.
He has been recognized as a Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), a Fellow of the Business Continuity Institute (FBCI), a Distinguished Fellow of the Ponemon Institute and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).