Law enforcement agencies across the United States are seeing the value in having a specialized hostage negotiation vehicle. These vehicles are solely designed to give negotiators and agencies the resources they need to handle high-stakes situations involving hostages or individuals in crisis.
Below, we explain what a hostage negotiation vehicle, also known as a crisis negotiation vehicle, is and highlight four key features every vehicle should include. From command centers to seamless communication systems, surveillance equipment, and storage for tactical supplies, each feature plays a key role in helping negotiators resolve any crisis as fast and safely as possible.
A hostage or crisis negotiation vehicle is a first response unit equipped with the equipment, technology, and resources needed for negotiators to communicate, gather information, and coordinate tactical responses.
The vehicle provides a secure and controlled environment where negotiators can engage with individuals involved in the crisis, whether they are hostages, perpetrators, or individuals in distress. Hostage and crisis negotiation vehicles are also equipped to handle other crisis scenarios where hostages are not involved, such as barricaded suspects, suicidal individuals, or armed standoffs.
The command center in a hostage or crisis negotiation vehicle should include the following features:
Hostage negotiation vehicles are equipped with advanced communication systems that integrate multiple channels, including radio, satellite, and cellular networks. Having a reliable line of communication between negotiators inside the command center and law enforcement teams on the outside allows both parties to work together to react quickly to any complex and rapidly evolving crisis situation.
A dependable power supply like Frontline’s patented VIP® Power System offers a quieter, safer, and more reliable alternative to conventional gas generators, which are noisy and disruptive. The VIP® Power System ensures continuous and seamless communication by providing a stable power source, preventing interruptions that could hinder critical negotiations and coordination efforts during high-stakes situations.
A hostage negotiation vehicle should also have a durable “throw phone,” which allows negotiators to establish direct contact with hostages or perpetrators. These phones also have a hidden camera to help assess the threat and situation, which brings us to our next key feature of any hostage negotiation vehicle.
When negotiating in a crisis or hostage situation, having a clear understanding of the environment is important for everyone’s safety. Hostage negotiation vehicles, like other emergency response vehicles, can come fitted with different types of cameras, including backup, perimeter, and mast top cameras. These cameras are all designed to give the negotiation team real-time situational awareness of their surroundings.
A night vision and thermal imaging camera that detects heat signatures is an important feature to add to any hostage negotiation vehicle. This camera allows negotiators and officers to identify threats, objects, or situations that may not be visible to the naked eye. For instance, thermal imagery technology can help locate individuals hiding or in distress.
Whether it's specialized tools for breaching or medical supplies for treating injuries, the storage space on a hostage negotiation vehicle is designed to meet evolving needs. From firearms and non-lethal weapons to first aid kits and communication devices, every item is strategically stored to maximize efficiency during a high-pressure crisis.
At Frontline Communications, we can design a hostage negotiation vehicle to meet a wide range of sizes and specifications, tailored to the unique needs of any situation. These vehicles can come in smaller packages, such as Sprinter or Ford Transit vans, specifically designed for the sole purpose of crisis negotiation. Alternatively, they can be integrated into larger, full-sized units that include a dedicated CNV (Crisis Negotiation Vehicle) element—a closed-off room dedicated to negotiations—while also serving as multi-purpose assets for various first-response needs.
Frontline Communications has over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing first-response vehicles. The features above are just a starting point to designing and creating the best hostage or crisis negotiation vehicle for your agency’s needs. No matter what size vehicle you need or what unique features you’re looking for, we are here to deliver a vehicle ready to perform during any crisis.
At Frontline, we understand these types of vehicles are an investment. We always integrate the most up-to-date technology to make future technology refreshes possible, which prolongs your investment and ensures your vehicle always performs at its best. We also offer life-long 24/7 service and support, making us your trusted partner now and well into the future.
Want to know more about hostage negotiation vehicles? Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.