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.
But what is the step-by-step process that brings a hostage negotiation vehicle to life? It begins with our nationwide dealership network.
Our hostage negotiation vehicle (HNV) design and manufacturing process is built around close collaboration with your local Frontline Communications dealer.
As trusted partners familiar with your region, your dealer will work directly with you to understand operational needs, budget considerations and long-term goals before bringing those insights to Frontline Communications engineering and manufacturing teams.
From the initial consultation through design, manufacturing, delivery and ongoing support, your local dealer serves as your primary point of contact.
As a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Frontline Communications is able to leverage Pierce Manufacturing’s dealership network. What does this mean to you? You’ll have access to one of the most extensive coast-to-coast networks in the mobile command vehicle industry.
Initial discussions with your dealer should also cover crisis vehicle specifications, including:
Discover the 4 key features of a hostage negotiation vehicle in this detailed blog post.
After the initial consultation, your dealer compiles all operational requirements, design preferences, budget considerations and future needs gathered during early conversations. This detailed information is then submitted to Frontline Communications, where our engineering team begins transforming those insights into a comprehensive vehicle specification.
Using consultation notes and dealer-provided documentation, 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 hostage negotiation vehicle (HNV).
Throughout the spec development process, your dealer remains closely involved, reviewing designs, clarifying details and ensuring the proposed solution accurately reflects how the vehicle will be used in real-world scenarios. Once the specifications are finalized, your local dealer presents the proposal and walks you through the recommended design, equipment and technology options, addressing any questions or requested changes.
Once a client approves the vehicle design and price, their dealer 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 being added to vehicles currently under construction.
Our engineering team will review every element of your HNV design, answer questions and make any final adjustments or additions. Your dealer remains involved throughout this entire process, helping guide discussions and clarify details.
Construction of your HNV will begin once the final designs are approved.
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, customers can 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.
Once you receive your new HNV, we remain your partner, providing the ongoing service and support needed to keep your vehicle operating at peak performance. Access to your dealer allows for fast local support backed by factory-level expertise.
Because dealers are based in the regions they serve, they can respond quickly to service needs, coordinate on-site support and help minimize downtime. When advanced troubleshooting, system diagnostics or specialized repairs are required, dealers work directly with our in-house experts to ensure issues are resolved efficiently and accurately.
Our ongoing after-delivery support is also fueled by a full-time staff of technical representatives with extensive backgrounds in crisis vehicle design, construction and maintenance. Together with our dealership partners, this team provides 24/7 support for repairs, diagnostics, replacement parts and warranty-related questions, ensuring help is always within reach.
Frontline Communications 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.
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.
Your dealer can help you identify when a tech refresh makes sense by evaluating current systems, future needs and budget considerations. Elements of a technology refresh could include updates to:
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.
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.
Combined with our trusted dealership network, Frontline delivers a true partnership model, bringing together local expertise, in-house engineering and nationwide service support. From concept development to vehicle delivery and beyond, our process is designed to support departments at every stage.
Looking for your local dealer? Check out the dealer map.