Mobile Command Posts are vital pieces for emergency response. Law enforcement, state agencies, federal agencies and organizations use mobile command posts to respond to natural disasters or man-made disasters. From earthquakes and hurricanes to mass shootings and bombs, mobile command centers allow communication and data to be centralized and effective.
Sometimes agencies will use a mobile command post for community outreach, but they are built for establishing uninterrupted communications and can provide a host of data as well.
Mobile command posts can come in many different forms, and therefore provide a wide variety of options and equipment. Bases or foundations for these command posts can be trailers, freight liners, vans, trucks and many other types of vehicles. Through a consultation we determine what the most important features are for your organization and needs.
What’s Inside a Mobile Command Post?
What goes in side a mobile command post depends on the needs of the organization or agency. The trend lately in mobile command posts is to be smaller and lighter. This does require a more thoughtful process on what equipment will go inside the mobile command center.
Communication is key and most command posts will include systems that provide communications. Examples are:
- AVL 1.2 meter auto acquire sat dish
- Motorola APEX radios
- Mutualink IWS system
- Dish Network HD sat receiver
- Pepwave HD4 quad sim router that supports AT&T FirstNet and Verizon
- Off air HD TV antenna
- MSAT satellite telephone
- Video Conferencing Equipment
All of these systems allow communications to be available and help those responding to the incident communicate clearly.
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance can be used for a number of reasons. These systems are popular at large events, concerts, state fairs, etc. Cameras allow law enforcement to keep a watch on what is going on from a central location and alert colleagues when needed.
Mobile command posts can have a variety of video surveillance deployed on the unit itself or as a separate component.
Possible video hardware:
- Video HD matrix switch
- CoHu HD day/night PTZ camera
- Video downlink system – for video download from helicopters or air surveillance
- AXIS PTZ and dome cameras
The Inside and More
In addition to hardware and components that make the mobile command post functional for communications, there is more to it that just hardware. Conference tables, IT racks, LED screens, kitchens, storage space, HVAC equipment and much more can be present inside the command post.
Since a mobile command post can be deployed for a long amount of time, they are made to be comfortable and provide space for those working within the units. Individual workstations fitted with comfortable seating is commonly used in command posts.
Many command posts also include a weather station. These systems allow for updated weather information and data. During some types of natural disasters, weather information can be incredibly important and the need for current weather data is more important.
Power
How is a mobile command post powered? There are a variety of options that are used and that decision is based on a number of variables. The command post typically includes a generator and several 12 volt batteries. Also included are UPS battery backups to keep computers and other equipment running and protected.
So, what should go inside your command post? Each need is different and our team is always available to help you determine what fits your needs and your budget. There can be a lot of technology and capabilities packed in to these mobile command posts. Your needs are our top priority and we build some of the most advanced mobile command posts in the country. Contact us today to schedule a time to discuss your needs.