Meridian Specialty Vehicles has begun offering refurbishing mobile command centers for re-sale as a more affordable option for budget-strapped law enforcement agencies.

"A mobile command center is profoundly beneficial, [and] no law enforcement or response agency shouldn't have access to one, or skimp on quality to obtain one," according to Meridian owner Dave Ronsen. "My goal is to make sure every agency that needs a mobile command center can find an affordable yet outstanding solution, even with limited resources."

Until now, mobile command centers were built on a brand new chassis, and often cost at least $750,000, depending on the amount of technology included. Meridian's refurbished mobile command centers often sell for 70 percent less and feature the same technology, components and durability, according to Meridian.

Meridian typically selects a low-mileage commercial chassis at 15% or less of their projected drivetrain life. Once chosen, the chassis is stripped, and then rebuilt with new wiring, interiors, components that are the same as the technology, equipment, and parts installed in brand-new models.

Meridian then customizes each vehicle for its clients.

"Our experience allows us to install everything from telescoping masts with camera systems, satellite communications systems, PBX phone systems, to specialty law enforcement or function-specific options," according to Ronsen. "Every vehicle should perform its duty flawlessly, but we're careful not to recommend expensive extras the end user won't use."

Meridian can also refurbish and update customers' existing mobile command centers, giving departments with an older vehicle a much less expensive alternative to purchasing an all-new unit. Meridian can perform technological upgrades to a lightly used vehicle, or completely overhaul a long-parked one; re-issuing it as a nearly-new, ready-for-service mobile command center.