Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

SHOT Show 2015: Safariland Acquires Atlantic Tactical

The Safariland Group announced today its acquisition of Atlantic Tactical Inc., distributor of equipment and uniforms for public safety professionals.

January 20, 2015
3 min to read


The Safariland Group announced today its acquisition of Atlantic Tactical Inc., distributor of equipment and uniforms for public safety professionals.

Acquired in 1987 by John and Karen Conville and headquartered in New Cumberland, Pa., Atlantic Tactical outfits law enforcement and public safety officers with life-saving equipment and apparel via its five retail stores in the north eastern U.S. as well as direct and e-commerce sales. Atlantic Tactical began doing business with Safariland in 1989 and became an exclusive Safariland armor distributor in 1995.

Ad Loading...

Scott O’Brien, Safariland’s President, commented: “Safariland’s long-term strategy is underscored by our product-driven orientation: we believe in the power of brands and innovation. We believe equally in the power of distribution to communicate with and serve our valued agencies and end-users. Safariland strives to foster a culture of teamwork and partnership with all of our stakeholders, including our associates, our vendors, and our customers.”

Mr. O’Brien continued, “Our approach has always been, and will continue to be, to support distribution in each local market. Our preferred marketing areas, dealer of record programs, and exclusive arrangements are all designed to ensure that, at a local level, the partners doing the work with the agencies will perform the business. The future of our business will be characterized by an omni-channel approach through which we invest in our brands to support our independent distribution partners as well as our own distribution.”

Sean Conville, President of Atlantic Tactical, along with his management and sales teams, will continue to run Atlantic Tactical and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. As President of Atlantic Tactical, Mr. Conville will report to Sean McCarthy, Vice President of Strategy at Safariland. Meanwhile, Safariland will continue to maintain its other operations in the northeast, including its regional sales team dedicated to supporting other distribution partners in that area of the country.

“I’ve worked with Safariland for a long time and this transaction is an excellent outcome for Atlantic Tactical’s stakeholders and provides a compelling strategic fit for our future,” said Sean Conville, who also previously served as President of the Distributor Advisory Council for Armor Holdings, Inc. Safariland’s former parent company. “We are excited to have Safariland’s financial and strategic support to help Atlantic Tactical continue to grow and expand as we have for the last several years.”

Adding Atlantic Tactical to its portfolio furthers Safariland’s effort to continually grow relationships with distribution partners and pursue acquisitions aligned with its mission of “Together, We Save Lives.”

Ad Loading...

About Atlantic Tactical

Atlantic Tactical is a provider of law enforcement and public safety equipment and uniforms in the north-eastern United States. With sales offices in New Cumberland PA, Philadelphia PA, Somerset, NJ, Queens, NY, and Boston, MA, Atlantic Tactical provides public safety professionals with the equipment they need to accomplish their mission safely. For more information, visit www.AtlanticTactical.com.

About The Safariland Group

The Safariland Group is a global provider of a diverse range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland, ABA, Second Chance, Bianchi, Break Free, Protech Tactical, Hatch, Monadnock, Identicator, NIK, Mustang Survival, and Med-Eng. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla.

More Patrol

Clooudy sky background with a lot of blue, logo for DroneSense, and dates and location of an upcoming event.
PatrolFebruary 11, 2026

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations

The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.

Read More →
Thumnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips featuring a black background with police car lights and headline What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 11, 2026

What Makes a Good LE Boot?

Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.

Read More →
Red fabric background with blue and white Folds of Honor logo.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders

The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Closeup of hands reaching to pick up a ballistic helmet and a Team Wendy logo in a white box top center in the image.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals

With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.

Read More →
backgroudn image of desert with inset 5.11 logo and images of pant and boot.
PatrolJanuary 28, 2026

5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show

5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.

Read More →
Three tactical backpacks set against a desert background with an inset logo for 5.11.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show

5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue background with Streamlight logo at top and inset images of one handgun light, two rifle lights, and one handheld light.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show

Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
dark ballistic sunglasses against a blue smokey background
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System

Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.

Read More →
Black background, outline of Florida, headline 2 Officers Shot
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJanuary 14, 2026

2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call

Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue-tinted background photo of hand hanging up an office phone and headline Richmond Heights PD: Harassment and Threats Will Be Addressed Accordingly
PatrolJanuary 14, 2026

Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS

An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.

Read More →