Computer Mounts

Revisited

• Jim Donahue
• Law Officer Volume 4 Issue 10
• 2008 Oct 23

In the July issue, I wrote a long and detailed article discussing computer mounts in patrol cars. The message was singular:  every detail counts . A shortcut could easily cost a cop his life. 

In that article, I reported that a reputable mount manufacturer, Gamber-Johnson (GJ), had not responded to my request for information about how their products improve officer safety. After digging around in cyberspace, it seems they didn't receive my initial request. Whose fault? Who knows? But I wanted to give the folks at GJ the same opportunity as every other manufacturer to supply their input about how to improve officer safety, so I've since spent some time on the phone with them.

In summary, I'm very impressed with the investment GJ has made and continues to make to ensure no cop gets hurt from its stuff. The company works with all of the major police-car manufacturers to learn what's coming, how to fit its gear in safely and to suggest opportunities for improvement. GJ has also made a big investment in creating a network of certified installer professionals. They've trained these talented wrench jockeys to install GJ gear so that it works, it lasts and it won't hurt the cop inside the car.

The company told me its computer mounts are made of thick, heavy steel put together so that a mount won't turn into a rattling nightmare after a few thousand miles. All of the edges are smooth so it won't cut you or your uniform. GJ offers a unique mount for each different kind of computer. Why is that important? First, it's more likely to stay tight. Second, the computer is less likely to become a missile in a crash. Finally, the computer can be locked down so some idiot doesn't steal it out of the car while you're on a scene somewhere.

The long and short of it is this: Gamber-Johnson is making an effort to improve officer safety with its products.

Square Pegs in Round Holes: Don't Let It Happen

In the July article, we showed a picture of a car computer captioned, "The not so good." We received some feedback on that, so I'm republishing that photo below to explain the issue. The issue isn't the mount. The issue is the agency's use of that mount.

This unsightly configuration came to be because the agency in question didn't do its homework. It bought a computer that was never intended for a patrol car. It installed it on an incompatible mount (probably by force). Finally, the mount was not installed according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

All too often, people in our agencies look for the easy way out, the shortcut. Some of our IT nerds wouldn't recognize a police car if it ran over them. Some of our purchasing folks make life-or-death decisions based on the least expensive option. Any one of these people can turn a project into a disaster. 

I'll say it again: One size does not fit all. And the cheapest is usually not the best option.

Rarely will one kind of computer fit every mobile need across a single agency. Traffic cars need different gear than section cars, which require different stuff than the narcotics unit, which doesn't match the needs of parking enforcement, community service aids, etc.

Figuring out your best matches isn't a quick job. Don't pick gear from some pretty picture in the latest magazine. Realize that the equipment that the agency nearby chose might not fit your needs. And the slick salesman who takes you to lunch saying that he has exactly what you need? View that guy with a healthy dose of skepticism. 

This task isn't easy. You must do your homework for yourself. Selecting a mobile computer and mount is like choosing and being fitted for an honor guard uniform. When done right, a good uniform looks and fits like a million bucks. Grunt cops deserve as much care and attention when picking their gear as the honor guard does when the agency selects their uniforms and leather gear. Don't cheat the guys on the street.

If your department still plans on buying gear for some inane reason, like "everyone else bought this," remind them that that the easy choice today could well lead them to hearing the pipers play Amazing Grace at the funeral of one of our brothers. Will it seem so easy then? I suspect it won't.

If you need help or feel lost, call or e-mail me ( musclecop@sterlingyes.com , 313/929-2600). There are many resources to help you pick the right gear for the right use. Don't be lulled into complacency—it kills.

Stay safe out there.                                              

Jim Donahue  is a certified peace officer in Florida and ILEETA member. Previously he worked with U.S. Customs & Immigration at the Detroit-Canada border, and he's worked as a reserve patrolman on the streets of a suburban Detroit community. He now trains patrol officers on technology and tactics; specifically, how to use patrol car computers safely. Contact him at  musclecop@sterlingyes.com .

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• Law Officer Magazine Volume 4 Issue 10

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