Equipment News November 2005

Airport Friendly Boots

Airport friendly boots are the latest offering from the S.W.A.T Original stable. The boot - available only through www.gladstoneboots.co.uk in the UK - comes with an airport-friendly non-metallic shank.

It is available in all sizes and has a low-profile slip-resistant outsole and leather and Nylon Upper.

More details available on http://www.gladstoneboots.co.uk.


Casus Handcuff Pouch

Handcuff keys can be kept safe and within reach with Belli Atlantique’s Casus handcuff pouch.

The firm will be exhibiting the pouch at this year’s Milipol in Paris next week.

Available at all times but hidden from the view of offenders, the cuff keys are attached to the pouch by a retracting cable tested for strength and flexibility.


New Breath Test from Contralco

Contralco has produced its new generation test especially designed for Breath Alcohol screening operations.

Easy to use in any circumstances, it is fully adapted for roadside tests and enables the rapid and efficient control of numerous drivers.

It is accurate, reliable, hygienic and economical, says its makers, and is used by police forces in several countries. Road safety, insurances, local authorities, town halls and industries also use it as an information medium in their Against Drink Driving campaigns.

Contralco will be exhibiting its products at Milipol in Paris at the end of the month.

http://www.contralco.fr/eng


Hatch Develops Glove Liner

Hatch has developed a proprietary blend of Honeywell Spectra®, fibreglass, and polypropylene which the company calls X11™ to use as a glove liner, as it provides a high level of cut and puncture resistance for the rigours of street duty. Additionally, this liner provides wicking properties that keep the hand cool and comfortable for all day use.

Hatch offers three glove models with the X11™ liner, tested for cut and puncture resistance under the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) test protocol 99-114.

PPG1 ArmorTip™ Protective Gloves
Featuring the X11™ liner in the palm area, these gloves were tested to 23 lbs of puncture protection under NIJ test protocol – ‘the highest cut and puncture-resistance in the industry.’ Says the company. The addition of Hatch's exclusive ArmorTip™ system provides protection for the leading edges of the index and small fingers against punctures. Neoprene with Chamude synthetic leather palms.

SGX11 Street Guard™ Gloves
This popular frisk and search glove with the X11™ liner throughout was tested to 11 lbs. of cut resistance to protect the entire hand from sharp objects. Features synthetic leather palms with Extreme Grip™ non-slip cradles. The outer thumb areas are lined with terrycloth for wiping away perspiration.

SB8000 Friskmaster™ Supermax™
This glove is constructed of premium leather, drum dyed for softness, and features the X11™ liner for cut protection from sharp objects. Tested under NIJ protocol to 11 lbs. of cut protection, this glove is treated to be water and fade resistant and features an elasticised, extended cuff.


MSA Launches 'Safe Escape Respirator'

A new 'Safe Escape Respirator' has been launched by US-based MSA. The company says the product offers is a practical solution to escape, quickly and easily, from threatening situations by providing wearers with respiratory protection along with head and neck protection from CBRN agents.

The Safe Escape Respirator joins several other MSA products in being the first product of its kind to be NIOSH-Approved for CBRN hazards.

The product features a canister containing a CBRN high-efficiency particulate filter and activated carbon. It is permanently bonded to the respirator coupling nut, ensuring a secure connection. As air flows through the canister, directly into the nose cup, the inlet check valve maximises the performance of the filter, reduces lens fogging and reduces carbon dioxide buildup inside the hood. Expired air is directed out the one-way exhalation valve.

Besides providing respiratory protection during escape, MSA has addressed the user's comfort needs under stress by providing easy donning and practical use. Available in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large; it provides a personal fit for the best protection possible. The Safe Escape Respirator is compatible with long hair, glasses/eyewear, and/or facial hair to accommodate today's diverse population. It is a hood-style respirator and features inside-the-hood self-adjusting cradle-type head straps. The soft, high-stretch neck seal eases donning and conforms to irregular neck contours. Communication is superior to those devices that use a mouth bit and nose-clip.

The 1-piece large, bonded lens and translucent chemical-resistant hood promote a wide field of view for better visibility and face recognition, while reducing claustrophobia.

The Safe Escape Respirator is packed in a sealed foil package, then in a distinctive, black polyethylene Hextreme(tm) hexagonal storage case, providing lightweight storage and a 5-year shelf life from date of manufacture.
Each case is colour coded and marked according to size, making them easily accessible in an emergency.

Web: http://www.MSAnet.com


Pro-Systems Launches New Vest Fabric

Pro-Systems Fabric has launched a new material called 'Softsteel'™ especially for bulletproof and anti-stab vests.

The new fabric is based on aramid fibre 'softsteel'™ and can be used in anti-bullet, anti-stab and anti-fragment protection systems, even with small fragments.

The tenacity features combined to the low yarn denier and to a particular weaving, allow the production of personal ballistic and anti-stab to be soft and extremely light and comfortable protections.

The use of Type 3125 ‘Softsteel’ ™ is specially recommended for particular and special applications where the minimum weight with the maximum guaranty of ballistic protection and minimum trauma are needed.

http://www.pro-systems.ballistic-protection-fabrics.sul-web.com/


Racal CobraPLUS Headset

CobraPLUS, a lightweight tactical headset has been launched by Racal Acoustics.

The Modular Cobra headset system (designated RA3185) has been enhanced to increase its flexibility and versatility using a new method of fixing the headset to the user for greater comfort, stability and range of application.

Modular Cobra has been deployed by many forces worldwide operating in a wide variety of roles, in a wide range of climatic environments. Such is the flexibility and reliability of the headset system the total sales of the headset has now reached many thousands of units.

The basic principle behind the headset is a highly reliable and rugged earphone and noise cancelling microphone both mounted on flexible boom arms, this allows their flexible positioning to the users mouth and ear.

This lightweight headset down-lead cable can be attached to a variety of Press-To-Talk (PTT) switches including single in-line, dual in-line for use with dual radio sources, palm and finger operated switches.

With the ingenious T-piece connector system on the Modular Cobra it is possible to connect the headset to respirator microphones, or a combination of palm, finger and in-line switches. Integration of the headset to most radio systems is easy to accomplish with a range of high quality audio components available. Mechanical termination of the headset can be adapted to suit specific applications.

Neal Muggleton, Lightweight Headset Product Manager for Racal Acoustics commented ‘CobraPLUS is created when you take a Cobra headset and mount it within the ear cushion kit. It is compatible with all Cobra headsets; even the original RA185 Cobra can be mounted.

‘Initial user evaluations have confirmed that CobraPLUS is more stable and is the preferred choice for a tactical headset’ he continued ‘the versatility of the headset allows the user to configure it as per the specific mission requirements; it can then be reconfigured for different operations as required.

‘This essentially provides the user with a single multi-use headset, a 3 in 1 headset if you like - reducing the total procurement costs for the tactical communication ancillaries.’

http://www.racalacoustics.com/


Segway HT Police Package

The latest addition to the fight against crime has been launched in the United States with the launch of Segway's Human Transporter (HT) i180 Police package.

The Police package is based on the Segway HT i180 with lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries and includes a complete set of accessories that are designed to enhance patrol and community policing applications of the Segway HT.

The transporter is already used by over 80 police departments in the US to patrol busy urban areas such as airports, shopping centres and university campuses. It has a top speed of 12 mph.

Klee Kleber, vice president of marketing for Segway Inc. ‘Whether a department is looking to boost patrol range, increase police presence, improve response times, or forge stronger relationships in the community, the Segway HT Police package is a smart buy that delivers all the accessories they'll need.’

The i180 Police package includes a Segway handlebar guard, a quick time-out key, reflective trim, Segway comfort mat, Segway 12.0 handlebar bag, Segway 25.0 cargo system, and an LED tail light.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the i180 Police package with Li-Ion batteries is $5,495, representing a savings of $195 compared to purchasing the accessories individually.


OmniPerception’s New Affinity ® Plus Camera

OmniPerception demonstrated the company’s new Affinity ® Plus camera at Biometrics 2005 conference held in London last week. The camera is specifically designed to reduce specula reflection on photographs of faces. The patent pending equipment gives more accurate performance, especially in poor lighting conditions.


Omniperception stand at Biometrics 2005

A spokesman explained that reflections from faces, especially from glasses, can make photographs less acceptable in a Biometric context. By reducing these reflections the Affinity ® plus complies with the international standards for biometric passport photographs.

http://www.omniperception.com


TAC II Two-Stage Rotating Target System

A portable, self-contained turning target system has been developed by US company, Elite Target Systems.

The system simultaneously presents or hides two silhouette targets to the firing line through the use of a wireless remote control with a range of up to 1000’, and an innovative dual target drive train, with an intuitive user interface.

The TAC II is a wireless, microprocessor controlled, battery operated, compact, and portable two-stage turning target system that can operate anywhere, indoors or out.

It was developed to address the need for a challenging ‘response-time critical’ target presentation system for tactical training, intense practice and competition, with commercial service durability in mind. Its remote control interface allows flexible, but easy, creation of user-defined routines to generate precisely timed repetitive scenarios or randomly timed target presentation sequences that will constantly vary.

Each routine can present the pair of targets to the firing line twice for such training and practice scenarios as tactical reloads and after-action drills. The TAC II will remain steadfast in winds up to 30 mph, yet will collapse into a package 60’ long x 8.5’ high x 6.5’ deep, and weighs only 26 pounds.

The TAC II is constructed of high-strength aluminium extrusions precision manufactured to close tolerances. To ensure that maintenance is kept to a minimum the system is assembled using stainless steel fasteners and durable TIG welding. The TAC II is shipped complete with a wireless remote, antenna, rechargeable battery and charger, lubricant and a comprehensive operating manual.

The TAC II Target System will make the challenge of limited presentation time target training and practice available to smaller law enforcement agencies, indoor and outdoor commercial shooting ranges, clubs, and for private use. The ability to easily set routines that are repetitive or constantly changing will strengthen training techniques, and decrease the user’s time necessary to respond with accuracy. With its 1000’ range (under ideal conditions), active sniper practice/training is now a reality.

Elite Target Systems was formed with the express purpose of developing, designing, and manufacturing innovative products in support of law enforcement training, individual and team practice, and competitive shooting. The company has 25 years experience in new product development, manufacturing, marketing and sales.

http://www.elitetargetsystems.com/


BMW Motorrad USA's Law Enforcement Motorcycle

BMW Motorrad USA has announced the next generation of law enforcement motorcycle.

The new R 1200 RT-P will incorporate all of the latest advances in BMW technology, providing 15% more engine power, 14% lighter weight and the most advanced emergency lighting concept in the industry.

Offering a host of new features specifically developed to address motor officer feedback, the R 1200 RT-P will be on the market on May 1st, 2006. A preview will take place at the BMW Motorrad USA Ontario Training Centre on December 8th where officers will be canvassed for views on certain features still in development.


Armor Holdings Launches IE-Defense System™

US company Armor Holdings has announced the launch of a commercial vehicle armour system that protects against improvised explosive devices.

The IE-Defense System™ is a multiple threat system that can be applied to a number of commercially available Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) as well as other passenger vehicles.

It protects the vehicles occupants against an attack from an explosive device as well as subsequent attacks from an assault rifle.

Dr Tony Russell, chief technology officer for Armor Holdings, Inc, said: ‘As IED attacks become more commonplace, a growing number of government officials, private contractors, NGOs, and private individuals need protection. IE-Defense System ™ is a major step towards neutralising the threat many of these people have to face every day.’

The company said 75 per cent of attacks on vehicles involved improvised explosive devices as opposed to bullets.

http://www.armorholdings.com/home/

PIPS Number Plate Reader

Fourteen Automated Number Plate Reading systems have been supplied to Hertfordshire police, by PIPS Technology, as part of the forces corporate ANPR strategic vision.

The ANPR systems comprise PIPS Dual Imaging P362 cameras and PAGIS (Police ANPR Graphic Information Systems) software controlled by an integrated mobile computer.

Ch Insp Nigel Brown, Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: ‘The read rate is excellent and we see it as a major tool to assist us in tackling criminal use of the roads. We are particularly pleased with PIPS infra-red rear dual cameras which enable us to operate day and night without any problems.’

The cameras are connected to the mobile computer which reads the number plate recorded by the camera and searches it against databases to see if it is listed, returning an answer within a fraction of a second.

http://www.pipstechnology.com/


New SWAT Boot Launched

A new waterproof tactical boot has been launched by Original SWAT Footwear.

The 9 inch Tactical Waterproof features an internal waterproof breathable membrane to keep feet cool and dry.

It also has a full-grain leather toe with a leather and 1000-denier nylon upper.

The shank is non-metallic making it airport-friendly and the sole is slip-resistant and oil-resistant.

Gladstone Boots is the UK sole supplier.

http://www.gladstoneboots.com/


VestGuard Launches Tactical Throat Microphone

VestGuard UK Ltd, best known for its body amour, has launched a new tactical throat microphone.

The VG Tactical Throat microphone system comes with acoustic tube earpiece and reduces background noise by picking up the sound of the user’s voice directly from vocal cord vibration.

Ideal for tactical situations, the microphone adjusts to comfortably fit most users.

The device is available to fit Motorola, Icom/Standard/Maxon radios and many more.

http://www.vestguard.co.uk/


Inova Solutions' Covert Capture Cars in Use in Bristol

One of the most advanced covert capture cars on the market has been introduced to the streets of Bristol by Avon and Somerset police.

The cars, developed by Inova Solutions, are fitted with satellite tracking technology, video and audio recording facilities, engine immobilisation and remote door and window locking.

The locked car is left in vehicle crime hotspot. When it is moved, the direction, speed and location are monitored via a satellite system contained on a laptop computer. When the vehicle is stopped by officers its doors and windows are locked and the engine immobilised.

Additional evidence is gathered using in-car video video and sound equipment which is relayed to officers.

The car has already been deployed in Bath, Yeovil and South Gloucestershire, but the latest version is thought to be the most sophisticated model of its type.

Sgt Frazer Davey, community safety team, Bristol district, said: 'We have been working with Inova Solutions on the development of this car. They have been excellent at updating the previous covert capture car model to make it even more effective.'

Stephen Foster, managing director, Inova Solutions, said: 'The Covert Capture cars uses the same satellite tracking technology that is incorporated in our vehicle usage management systems. We are pleased to be using our technology to fight car crime and hope other police forces will follow Avon and Somerset's inspired lead.'

http://www.inova-solutions.biz/

Number Plate Reading Device

A device capable of reading number plates at 2000 feet has been installed in Devon and Cornwall police's helicopter as part of improvements the force has made to its helicopter's search equipment.

As well as the spotterscope, the latest camera technology has been fitted to provide sharper images and greater magnification as well as thermal infra-red equipment to identify heat sources more effectively.

Digital recordings of all incidents can also be made and later used in court or for intelligence gathering.

Sergeant Scott Ranft, deputy manager of the force air operations unit said: ‘The new equipment will be more effective at locating fleeing criminals and missing persons.

‘It will allow us to effectively search open ground by day and night with a high probability of detection.’

The Ultraforce search equipment for the helicopter was half-funded by a Home Office grant.

Airwave has also been installed allowing police on the ground to talk directly to helicopter crew from a scene anywhere in the force area.


Range Rovers Delivered to West Yorks

The first of seven brand new Range Rovers have been delivered to West Yorkshire police's Motorway Unit.

Traffic officers will benefit from the front and rear facing video cameras, the latest Airwave and mobile phone technology and equipment for detecting speed and tracking stolen vehicles.

A vehicle locating device plots the vehicles on an electronic map of the county so the control room can locate it at any given time.

The Range Rovers' size and capability mean they will free up other police units. Whereas two vehicles may have attended incidents in the past, now only one will be needed.

Motorway Unit Commander Tim Dale said: ‘Range Rovers are perfect as patrol and incident vehicles. They have a big presence in the road when it comes to blocking an accident, they can tow vehicles away from danger and they have space for all the equipment needed to manage an incident on the motorway.

‘We reorganised the motorway vehicle fleet last year and in doing so made significant savings. It is these savings that have allowed us to invest in the new Range Rovers.’


SCOTTEVEST Launches Under Cover Vest

American company SCOTTEVEST has launched its latest vest specifically designed for officers working under cover.

The SeV Tactical Version 4.0 includes 40 ergonomically designed pockets and compartments. SeV's patented Personal Area Network (PAN) allows users to discreetly hold and connect multiple electronic devices through a hidden conduit system.

Scott Jordon, CEO of SCOTTEVEST said: ‘Our 4.0 Tactical is by far our most technical jacket and includes a number of features that will please both techies and undercover law enforcement personnel alike.

‘SCOTTEVEST recognises that carrying a number of devices simultaneously is a fact of life in the modern world, and a given for law enforcement personnel.’

SCOTTEVEST's customers include the FBI, CIA and the US Secret Service.

More information is available on http://www.scottevest.com


Site-Survey Equipment

Four forces in the Midlands are trialling hi-tech site-survey equipment that could speed up police road accident investigations and ease traffic congestion.

Project contractor, TRL Limited, is working with police accident investigators in Staffordshire, West Midlands, Warwickshire and West Mercia to test equipment that surveys incident sites and provides scene plan for police investigations.

On-road trials started in early July 2005 and will last for four months. If rolled out nationally, it could cut congestion. Road incidents account for a quarter of delays on major roads and it can take more than six hours to clear serious road incidents causing tailbacks and traffic jams.

The trial aims to identify state-of-the-art surveying equipment to be used by the police, together with methodologies for its use. The project will test the equipment systems at traffic incident scenes and use traffic flow models to investigate the time saved in road user delays.

Ginny Clarke, Chief Highway Engineer, said: 'We know lane and carriageway closures after incidents are frustrating to drivers, but the police must have time for the essential task of gathering evidence at the scene.

'The Highways Agency and the police are now working together to test equipment that can speed up the business of gathering vital evidence so that lanes are re-opened more quickly.

Chief Superintendent Nick Croft, Central Motorway Police Group, said the equipment could mean ‘significant advances’ in the evidential quality and police efficiency.

'It will provide useful information relating to the potential for the police service to use new types of equipment.'

David Kenworthy, Council member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and a former Chief Constable of North Yorkshire said: 'I am pleased to see that we in the UK are now harnessing technology to help improve journey times even at crash scenes.'

The accident investigation trial in the West Midlands is one of a number of Highways Agency initiatives to reduce the time it takes to re-open lanes after incidents on England's motorways and major A roads.

Web: http://www.trl.co.uk/


Niton Restocks CS Holster

Niton has announced new stocks of its famously durable CS Holster with Kevlar Lanyard.

The injection moulding and space age high-density polymers are combined to create a CS holder, which cannot be duplicated in leather or any other material.

Teamed with a Kevlar lanyard for extra strength, Niton has succeeded in producing a revolutionary lightweight yet super durable holster.

'We have developed a safe, durable, reliable and virtually indestructible piece of equipment that will give you many years of service.'

It detaches from the rail but remains secure with the Kevlar lanyard.

http://www.niton999.co.uk/index_main.htm

MSA Launches NIOSH-approved Gas Mask

MSA has launched the First NIOSH-approved Gas Mask with CBRN Protection to comply with US standards.

The Millennium® CBRN Gas Mask is the first NIOSH-certified CBRN full-facepiece air-purifying respirator (APR). This new gas mask provides first responders with effective respiratory protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents that might be used in a terrorist attack. Combines high performance, customised fit, comfort and cost efficiency in a version of the reliable military-style gas mask (MCU-2/P) used by the U.S. Air Force in Operation Desert Storm.

The new CBRN standard for full-facepiece gas masks was issued by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) on March 7, 2003. Along with Edgewood Arsenal (now RDECom), NIOSH tests and approves devices as 'CBRN-compliant' according to their very stringent testing and certification protocols for:

• Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.
• Mask penetration and permeation.
• Carry and transportation.
• Use performance.
• Quality assurance.

MSA's Millennium Gas Mask incorporates a flexible one-piece polyurethane lens with wide field of vision bonded to a durable Hycar rubber facepiece. A drinking tube provides connection for hydration. The Millennium dual-canister mount allows for weapon sighting from either shoulder. The mask is easy to don, adjust, and remove, thanks to its fully elastic six-point head harness. Lens fogging is prevented by an internal nosecup, which deflects air from the lens. A standard mechanical speaking diaphragm is included, or MSA's optional ESP II® Communications System may be added. A butyl-coated nylon hood is also available for head protection.

MSA understands how critical CBRN protection is to first responders and is pleased to have met this challenge.

For additional information on the Millennium Gas Mask, or to locate your MSA distributor, call MSA's Customer Service at 1-888-MSA-0018, or visit MSA's web site at http://www.msanorthamerica.com.

 

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