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Armored Rescue Vehicles
In the past decade, a new wave of commercial ARVs specifically built for law enforcement has hit the market. Few agencies could afford these big-ticket items prior to then, so initially the expense made it slow-going for the police armored vehicle industry. Then 9/11 changed law enforcement's attitude, and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and its grant programs led to unprecedented funding for local law enforcement equipment, including ARVs. Responding to this increased demand, ARV manufacturers are developing the next generation of ARVs to meet the needs of contemporary tactical officer.
July 17, 2009
Lenco produces the B.E.A.R. (Ballistic Engineered Armored Response). The B.E.A.R. is built on a commercial truck chassis, using commercial parts, that makes it mechanic-friendly and brings warranty support from the manufacturer. The vehicle features certified hardened steel armor and ballistic glass that's capable of multiple hits, blast-resistant floors, specially designed gunports, roof hatches and multiple ingress/egress doors. The B.E.A.R.'s larger size allows up to 15 personnel to be transported and 25 to 30 persons to be evacuated. This is an ARV with multiple uses, including emergency/hostage rescue, TEMS, etc. The interior compartment is capable of housing the logistics needs of most SWAT teams.
SWAT
Armored Rescue Vehicles: 3 Effective Deployments
ARVs are one of the many specialized "tools" in the SWAT toolbox. As such, they're usually employed only for high-risk situations and community relations initiatives. The end result is that ARVs are employed very selectively and infrequently.
September 7, 2011
Photo: POLICE file art.
Vehicles
Armored Rescue Vehicles: Mobile Force Multipliers
Armored vehicles are a mobile force multiplier for law enforcement, and in this extremely violent era, they are essential equipment.
August 5, 2013
Photo courtesy of Lenco.
Blogs
Vehicles
February 3, 2011
Vehicle Ops
Lenco Armored Vehicles Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Lenco armored vehicles have proven to be durable, reliable multi-purpose response and rescue vehicles in a variety of missions.
March 24, 2021
Lenco 40 Police
Vehicle Ops
The Armored Group Opens Mich. Manufacturing Facility
The Armored Group (TAG) recently opened a 144,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dearborn Heights, Mich., to produce armored rescue vehicles for law enforcement.
June 13, 2013
Photo courtesy of The Armored Group.
Special Units
Lenco BEAR & BearCat In Action
View our gallery featuring images of Lenco's BEAR and BearCat Armored Rescue Vehicles (ARVs) in use by several law enforcement agencies. Editor's note: This gallery is sponsored by Lenco.
January 31, 2012
Lenco Armored Vehicles is the most trusted armored SWAT vehicle manufacturer in the world. Nearly 400 law enforcement agencies across the United States rely on Lenco BEARs and BearCats every day. BEARs and BearCats have taken assault fire in the field; bullets have bounced off and lives have been saved. From LAPD and L.A. County Sheriff to NYPD and Boston PD, Lenco Armored Vehicles have become standard operating procedure. The Lenco BEAR and BearCat...the way SWAT does business.
Vehicle Ops
Vehicle Spotlight: The Armored Group BATT-X and Discreet Armored Suburban
Armored vehicles used in law enforcement come in a wide variety of configurations, ranging from patrol vehicles with ballistic protection in the doors to large and heavily shielded rescue vehicles. The Armored Group (TAG) makes both.
June 22, 2018
The BATT-X is designed to offer protection and comfort during high-risk operations. Photo: The Armored Group
Special Units
Oshkosh Defense TPV
Oshkosh Defense's Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV) looks ready for serious business. It's a large vehicle compared to a passenger SUV, but it's actually smaller than some other tactical rescue vehicles designed for the police market. Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense has been making armored rolling stock for the U.S. military since 1918. The Oshkosh Defense TPV—the company's first tactical response vehicle for law enforcement—benefits from its manufacturer's long history of making military vehicles. Read POLICE Magazine's "First Look" article on the TPV.
June 22, 2010
The TPV was built for urban or rural response due to its 116-inch wheelbase (shorter than other ARVs for better maneuverability), a ground clearance of 13 inches, a width of 85 inches, and a governed speed of almost 75 mph. It arrives with optional four-wheel drive.
Vehicle Ops
St. Petersburg Unveils Armored Rescue Vehicle
The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Police Department publicly unveiled its new Lenco BearCat armored rescue vehicle for high-risk encounters involving the SWAT team.
August 1, 2012
SWAT
Is Your SWAT Team Really Ready?
Two Lenco Bearcat armored rescue vehicles (ARVs) were used to move perimeter personnel farther back and out of the suspect's line of fire. Ultimately as many as 200 officers from many LE agencies responded to the mutual aid calls for assistance. A number of SWAT teams answered the call and worked the inner perimeter.
March 22, 2010
Training
Armored cars for protection
January 31, 2000
Vehicle Ops
Lenco Offers 'MedCat' Armored Vehicle for Tactical EMS
Lenco Industries has introduced a version of its BearCat armored rescue vehicle suited to tactical EMS missions for law enforcement and the military. The BearCat MedEvac LE (also known as the "MedCat") was designed to meet the combined requirements of SWAT and tactical EMS teams.
June 6, 2013
Photo courtesy of Lenco.
Vehicle Ops
Vermont State Police Acquire Lenco G3 Armored Truck
The Vermont State Police have acquired a Lenco G3 armored truck that the agency will make available to city and county law enforcement agencies who may face an active shooter, high-risk warrant subject, or barricaded suspect.
November 6, 2011
Photo: Vermont State Police.
Vehicle Ops
Justifying Your Agency's Acquisition of Armored Vehicles
With the correct officer training and community education these vehicles are a mainstay that departments will find they do not want to live without.
September 30, 2015
The Rook vehicle (Photo: Ring Power Corp.)
Vehicle Ops
Ohio Agency Acquires Lenco BearCat
The BearCat stands about 12 feet tall, weighs about 17,000 pounds and can carry 10 officers. The $201,000 vehicle was funded through a federal grant.
August 29, 2011
Vehicles
Military Surplus Vehicles Aid the Fight
Law enforcement agencies with these special missions can apply and acquire vehicles deemed military surplus for next to nothing. The vehicles usually require work to make them duty ready. Yet, the Department of Defense's 1033 program, as it is known, offers agencies access to military-grade equipment.
April 6, 2011
The Ocean Shores (Wash.) Police Department acquired a HMMWV for community relations work with its D.A.R.E. program.
Vehicle Ops
Armored Specialty Vehicles
Armored vehicles provide officers with tactical advantages in barricade situations and other incidents involving individuals armed with high-caliber rounds. In addition to NIJ Level IV protection, they can be customized with all manner of equipment, including gear to help evacuate civilians and downed officers. Read our August feature to find out how to secure funding for these useful tools. Photos provided by manufacturers.
August 22, 2012
Alpine Armoring's Pit-bull VX SWAT Truck is built on a Ford F-550 chassis and offers armor protection to stop 7.62 and 5.56 rifle rounds.
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