A hostage negotiation vehicle (HNV) is a specialized blend of tools, technology and resources integrated into a secure and controlled environment where negotiators can quickly and safely resolve any crisis or hostage situation.
Our team at Frontline Communications includes experts in system design engineering and integration, all dedicated to developing HNVs that meet the unique needs of any department, agency or environment. This article provides an overview of how Frontline Communications assists customers in designing, building, implementing and maintaining customized hostage negotiation vehicles.
Frontline Communications Hostage Negotiation Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Process
Our HNV design and manufacturing process includes a series of thoughtful steps where we work closely with our customers to ensure we create a hostage negotiation vehicle that best fits their department's needs. From the initial phone call consultation to a life-long service and support partnership, we have you covered.
Initial Consultation
Manufacturing a custom hostage negotiation vehicle begins with researching your department’s needs and challenges. Answering the following questions will help you make key decisions, including the crisis vehicle’s size and key features:
- What personnel will be in the vehicle? Primary and secondary negotiators, scribes, internal communicator, intelligence, other?
- Will the vehicle be dedicated to hostage and crisis situations, or will it respond to other emergency situations?
- Is your department in a rural, less-populated area easily served by a small vehicle or will you be serving a heavily populated area which would benefit from a more robust vehicle?
- Are there budgetary constraints to consider?
Initial discussions should also cover crisis vehicle specifications, including:
- Vehicle configuration.
- Standard negotiation truck features and systems (e.g., power, HVAC, lighting, storage, cameras, displays).
- Optional vehicle and system upgrades (e.g., customized communication systems, workstations, lavatory, galley, custom storage).
Discover the 4 key features of a hostage negotiation vehicle in this detailed blog post.
Crisis Vehicle Spec Creation and Proposal Review
Using consultation notes and client input, the Frontline Communications engineering team utilizes their experience, expertise and parametric technology programs (AutoCAD, CATIA, and SOLIDWORKS) to create detailed illustrations of the proposed mechanical, electrical and electronic systems for each new HNV. Once the specs are created, your local sales representative will share the proposal and discuss any questions or suggestions for changes to the proposed design, equipment or technology options.
Proposal presentations also include a discussion of pricing options. Because HNVs are highly customized, pricing for hostage negotiation trucks can range from around $350,000 upwards to $2.5 million based primarily on vehicle size and technology features. Our sales representatives work closely with clients to optimize HNV design without exceeding their budget.
Pre-construction Meeting at Frontline Communications Headquarters
Once a client approves the vehicle design and price, their sales representative will place the vehicle order and schedule a pre-construction meeting at Frontline Communications Headquarters in Clearwater, FL.
During this meeting, clients can tour the facility and see where and how their hostage negotiation vehicle will be manufactured. It also provides an opportunity to learn about new technology innovations being added to vehicles currently under construction. Our engineering team will review every element of your HNV design, answer your questions and make any adjustments or needed additions. Construction of your HNV will begin once the final designs are approved.
New Hostage Negotiation Vehicle Visual Inspection
When manufacturing is complete, clients return for an on-site vehicle inspection. This inspection provides an opportunity to review every element of the vehicle. From sitting in the seats and walking on the roof to opening storage compartments and exploring engine construction, this thorough evaluation confirms the HNV meets every design specification.
During this time, clients will be able to test drive the vehicle, operate equipment, test features and more. They will also receive extensive training in vehicle and system operation and maintenance from our expert staff.
Check out this recent C-24 Crisis Negotiation Vehicle delivery to the FBI field office in Chicago, IL.
What’s Next? Maintaining a Lifelong Partnership with Expert Service and Support
Once you receive your new HNV, we will continue to be your partner and provide the support needed to ensure your vehicle continues to run at optimal performance.
Frontline Communications ongoing after-delivery support is fueled by a full-time staff of technical representatives with extensive backgrounds in crisis vehicle design, construction and maintenance. Our dedicated support team provides 24/7 support with repair and diagnostic services, replacement parts and warranty questions.
Frontline Communications also maintains an exclusive Nationwide Service Network with over 93 service locations across the U.S. and Canada to provide routine maintenance, on-site repairs and technical system upgrades.
Hostage Negotiation Vehicle Tech Refreshes
While state-of-the-art when built, hostage negotiation vehicle technology is constantly evolving. Frontline Communications technology refreshes is the process of updating system technology to ensure your vehicle is always equipped to provide the highest level of communication and crisis management support.
Elements of a technology refresh could include updates to:
- SDI/HDMI cabling
- Audio and video systems
- Network cabling
- Radio systems and frequencies
- Camera systems
- Cellular router systems
Every Frontline Communications HNV is designed for seamless technology upgrades. If your crisis vehicle is running well mechanically but needs a technology enhancement, there’s no need to purchase a whole new vehicle. A technology refresh is a great way to restore your investment.
Read this blog post to learn everything you need to know about our technology refresh process.
Why Choose Frontline Communications?
Since 1985, Frontline Communications has built over 3,500 custom communication vehicles for emergency situation response, including hostage negotiation, mobile command vehicles and special-purpose units, such as bomb/EOD vehicles, SWAT trucks and mobile crime labs.
Frontline Communications understands advanced designs don’t matter without reliable, consistent support. From concept development to vehicle delivery and beyond, our process is a partnership committed to providing and maintaining crisis vehicles designed to empower your department and protect your community.
