In July 2003, the Glendale (Ariz.) Police Department formed a committee to explore buying a vehicle that would meet a variety of communications needs. The vehicle needed to be flexible and efficient so it could be used in the prevention, detection and management of both a crisis and its consequences. Ideas generated at the committee meeting and subsequent connecting assemblies led the department to opt for a combination tractor-trailer with a focus on communications technology.

The department chose a rapid-response regional support vehicle with advanced communications systems, nicknamed the Blue Ox, funded by the Urban Area Security Initiative. A key component in this choice was the unit's interoperable communications capabilities.

Moving forward with that concept, fire, ambulance, military and assorted other civilian partners were included. The interoperability component remains central to the measured success of the vehicle.

There have been multiple successes. Notable were the deployments for planned major events such as the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Bowl Championship Series football games. (See diagram at right for an example of Glendale multiagency response.) With upwards of 100,000 people involved in each event, along with hundreds of public safety and city services personnel, command and control was critical. Another example involves an unplanned emergency: a micro-burst — a mini tornado with wind and rain — created wide-spread damage that displaced families, downed power lines and disrupted local school activities in the community. Almost a dozen different service agencies including police, fire and the American Red Cross successfully integrated their response plans with one another using the unit.

Mitch Kelsey, Special Operations Supervisor & Systems Specialist Glendale (Ariz.) Police Department