Issue link: http://pfmmag.epubxp.com/i/113376
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Safestop Vehicle Anti-Theft System The key is the KEY. By Andrea Moore O ften times it is necessary for offcers to leave their vehicle unattended with necessary auxiliary equipment running to alert bystanders to possible danger. However, an unattended, running vehicle can easily be driven off and become part of the crime scene. Progard���s Safestop Vehicle Anti-theft System can prevent such theft of a running, unattended vehicle. The system is simple for feets to use. Offcers don���t ever have to think about arming the system during the heat-of-themoment, when focus on the situation at hand is most critical. Pro-gard Products, founded in 1968 and based in Indianapolis, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative and dependable law enforcement vehicle equipment, including vehicle prisoner partitions, gun racks, vehicle anti-theft systems, ballistic door panels, airbag control switches, ABS seats, cargo cabinets, push bumpers, window armor, organizers, ballistic ticket boards, and skid plates. Pro-gard acquired the Safestop International Company in May 2011. The Safestop Anti-theft System is designed so that once installed, it can be turned on and left active with the ���Always-on��� protection. The system is activated with a toggle switch that can be mounted in any area of the cockpit. This minimal amp draw, ���Always-on��� feature protects the vehicle when left running during the line of duty. Unlike many anti-theft systems, it also protects the vehicle in off-duty situations when the vehicle is not running. With Safestop turned on, the vehicle���s ignition key now becomes the key to controlling the anti-theft protection. The simple action of switching the ignition to off and removing the key activates the system. This is a natural motion that officers usually perform when exiting the vehicle, under normal circumstances. No need to remember to push a button to activate the system when their focus is on a much more critical situation. Officers are able to maintain their focus on the situation at hand, not securing a vehicle they need to leave running. Anti-theft protection is activated anytime the key is removed from the ignition. Once activated, the shifter is locked until the key is reinserted. For fleets using the ���Always-on��� feature, simply taping the breaks will kill the engine if the vehicle does not need to be left running. This means if someone were to try to engage the shifter hitting the brake will kill the engine, preventing the theft. 64 Police Fleet Manager Jan-Feb 2013 www.pro-gard.com Another benefit of the Safestop Anti-theft System is its ability to also prevent theft of weapons housed in electronic gun racks as well as trunk contents, in much the same manner the vehicle is protected. The ���Gun Lock Secure��� feature can prevent access to gun racks when the system is activated (removing the ignition key) even if a potential thief were to locate the momentary switch and depress it. With the anti-theft system activated, the lock will not release unless the manual key override is used, or the ignition key is reinserted into the ignition switch. In situations where officers carry more than one weapon, the ���Gun Lock Secure��� feature is an invaluable characteristic of the Safestop System. The anti-theft protection allows them to leave a weapon behind in the unattended vehicle. They can also walk away from the vehicle with confidence that the trunk contents are just as secure as their weapons with the ���Trunk Lock Secure��� feature. This feature locks out access to the trunk via the OEM trunk latch release mechanism via the same means. The system is available for police package vehicles. Plug-andplay adaptors allow for quick and easy installations, usually less than a half an hour per unit. Fleets can upfit vehicles with the Safestop for less than $150 per vehicle. Safestop can be purchased through any certified Pro-gard Distributor. Circle Reader Service #54 or click on EInfo at www.pfmmag.com. Andrea Moore is the Brand Manager at Pro-gard Products, and may be reached at andrea@pro-gard.com. Post your comments on this story by visiting www.pfmmag.com