Mobile Command Vehicle | Spotlight

Cal State L.A.’s ‘McV’ is prepped for deployment

Shining its red and blue emergency lights, new police mobile command vehicle makes debut

Pictured: UPD Lieutenant John Hernandez (l) and Detective John Martin (r), who is licensed to drive oversized vehicles, introduce Cal State L.A.’s new “McV” mobile command vehicle.
UPD Lieutenant John Hernandez (l) and Detective John Martin (r), who is licensed to drive oversized vehicles, introduce Cal State L.A.’s new “McV” mobile command vehicle.

Conjuring up a mobile home-office for an apocalypse, Cal State L.A.’s new “McV” (mobile command vehicle) is geared up to respond to major campus events and emergencies.

“This state-of-the-art vehicle, which was already in the budget a few years ago, is definitely an upgrade to our old converted mini bus,” said Lieutenant John Hernandez of the University Police. “Designed for an extended time of deployment, the mobile unit gives us command-and-control response capability to manage a critical incident, such as a disaster or major incident affecting the University.”

Built on a chassis of a Ford F550 Super Duty XLT 5.8 Triton V10, the white truck was fitted with a custom-constructed command-and-control center by Mattman Global Specialty Vehicles, Inc. for law-enforcement use. It is equipped with interoperable radio communications, satellite communications/monitoring, remote video-feed capability, wired and wireless computer-network access, a telephone system with both wired and cellular access, two air-conditioning units, two internal 7000-watt generators, power outlets, a fire extinguisher, first-aid supplies, and emergency equipment.

Picture of McV deployed for roadside alcohol and safety checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 18.

Other amenities include a coffeemaker, microwave oven, sink with its own water source, mini-refrigerator, decontamination shower, a restroom facility, retractable awning, and extensive storage space.

The “McV” will be activated three times a year during campus evacuation drills as part of the University’s Emergency Operation Center training. It can be set up in five to ten minutes.

CSULA’s Sergeant Christine Dosland and Detective John Martin activated it for its public debut Friday, Sept. 18—at a roadside alcohol-and-safety checkpoint near campus conducted with local law enforcement agencies.

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