The Lyons Police Department identified a need to have vehicle that would be multi-purpose for use at crime scenes, community events, DUI road blocks, or any other incidents that would require a longer than normal police presence. We located a vehicle from the neighboring community of Riverside that was going to be sold. The Mobile Command Vehicle was purchased in the fall of 2003 and was under development until the unveiling in June 2004. It was purchased from Riverside Fire Department with money seized from drug related crimes. The vehicle is a 1986 Foster Coach Ambulance in excellent mechanical condition. Volunteers have been working several hours a week to get it up and ready to be placed into service.

To keep the command center as multi-function as possible, research was conducted and designs developed to see how the vehicle could be best equipped for our purposes. In the end, a 10 foot countertop runs the length of the driver’s side and a bench seat runs on the passenger side. A radio communications position and 3 work stations have been set up for officers. The ability of officers to use the vehicle on crime scenes when not needed as a command center was important for us. Also the ability to use the vehicle at community events for senior ID’s, child fingerprinting, etc. influenced the design. Equipment installed was either donated from other agencies (especially North Riverside Police Department) or were dusted off after sitting on shelves and put back into service.  Some items had to be purchased new and most of the funds were from drug money that was awarded to the Lyons Police Deptartment.

We have this basic list to get us off the ground and are looking to add additional equipment and resources when they become available.  

Equipment List