Building a mobile command center can be a time consuming and daunting task if you don’t ask the right questions. Planning is a critical part of the mobile command center design process. Include key personnel from all of the agencies that will use or be impacted by the new command vehicle to determine exactly what you need.
Tip 1: Know your Budget
Know how much money your department will allocate to a new mobile command center. There are several opportunities to get matching funding from various agencies. The key to grant funding is research, research, research. Visit our website for links to grant funding resources.
Tip 2: Know your Technology Requirements
Having an understanding of the equipment you will need in your mobile command center will help you stay on budget and create a mobile command center that can do everything your department requires. A large part of the cost of a mobile command center lies in the equipment, so choose your equipment wisely and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the manufacturer. Some examples of mobile command center equipment you might need are power and antenna runs for radios, WiFi, LAN, interoperability equipment, dispatch consoles, negotiator consoles, and robot support.
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