NCJ Number
78168
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 29 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1981) Pages: 66-71
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The uses of police armored vehicles (PAVs) are examined, and specifications for PAVs are presented.
Abstract
The police community has responded to increased threats of terrorism and violence by purchasing personal body armor to cover most handgun and rifle dangers. The step from personal armor protection to collective armor protection through the use of PAVs is a short one, but one that has never been adequately explored. Because neither surplus military armored vehicles nor civilian bank armored transport trucks have adequately met police requirements, the use of PAVs is viewed negatively by most departments. Nevertheless, many agencies need such vehicles. Eight basic requirements of an effective PAV should be considered by any police agency contemplating the purchase of such a vehicle. The PAV must be highly mobile, have specified armored protection capability, allow adequate vision range, be able to carry sufficient manpower, clear hasty road obstructions, protect personnel while handling bomb threats, be useful as a crowd control vehicle, and be able to rescue wounded or trapped personnel under fire. The Cadillac Gage Company of Warren, Michigan, manufactures a complete line of vehicles which meet these requirements. The Commando V-150 model is most effective for larger departments. The simpler Ranger model would be appropriate for small departments. The key to a PAV's cost effectiveness is the amount of use it receives. Two photographs are provided.