Smarter Patrol: DECKED Reimagines Police Vehicle Infrastructure

KETCHUM, ID – December 03, 2025 – The modern police vehicle is more than just a mode of transport; it is a mobile command center, an office, and a mobile arsenal. Yet for many officers, the rear cargo area of their patrol unit is a source of constant frustration—a chaotic jumble of essential gear that can impede access in moments when seconds are critical. Addressing this long-standing operational challenge, storage solution leader DECKED has launched its new Law Enforcement Package, featuring the company's first-ever SUV-specific Drawer System designed for the ubiquitous Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Unit (PIU).

This move signals a significant development in the world of public safety fleet management, moving beyond simple storage boxes to offer an integrated system engineered to enhance officer safety, improve operational efficiency, and streamline the complex logistics of vehicle upfitting. By tackling the core issues of gear accessibility, security, and organization, the new system represents a foundational shift in how law enforcement agencies can optimize their most critical mobile assets.

From Chaos to Control: Engineering for the Front Line

At the heart of the new package is a drawer system that directly confronts the pain points of patrol duty. Law enforcement studies and anecdotal evidence have long shown that a disorganized vehicle can contribute to increased stress and slower response times. Searching for a first-aid kit, breaching tool, or tactical gear under pressure is not just inefficient; it's a safety risk.

DECKED’s solution provides a highly structured environment. The system features a single, ergonomic drawer capable of holding 150 pounds of equipment, with a rugged top tray that supports an additional 150 pounds. This 300-pound total payload capacity ensures that officers can carry a full complement of gear without compromising the system's integrity. Critically, the design maintains access to the vehicle’s spare tire, a non-negotiable feature for any viable fleet solution.

The package includes several purpose-built components. A Combo Tumbler Lock provides keyless access, eliminating the need for officers to fumble with keys during a high-stress incident. This single feature can shave precious seconds off deployment time. Also included is the rugged, weatherproof Honcho 80 Case, which slides neatly under the drawer system and is designed to store tactical gear, long tools, or firearms securely. Its customizable Piecekeeper™ PuzzleFoam allows officers to create custom-fit layouts for their specific equipment, preventing items from shifting or getting damaged during transit.

Furthermore, the package contains DECKED’s Improved First-Aid Kit (IFAK), a 133-item kit housed in a case designed for rapid, one-handed operation. This focus on immediate access to life-saving equipment underscores the system’s design philosophy: every component is geared toward enhancing an officer's readiness and capacity to respond effectively.

Beyond the Work Truck: A Strategic Foray into Public Safety

For DECKED, this launch marks a calculated expansion from its established base in the consumer truck and commercial van markets. The company built its reputation on professional-grade storage for tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts, using a signature high-density polyethylene (HDPE) co-molded to a recycled steel subframe. This construction makes their systems exceptionally durable, impact-resistant, and impervious to weather and chemicals.

By adapting this proven technology for the law enforcement sector, DECKED is entering a competitive and specialized market dominated by established upfitters like Setina, TruckVault, and CTech Manufacturing, who often utilize heavy-duty steel or aluminum. DECKED's material choice offers a distinct value proposition: a potentially lighter-weight solution that doesn't sacrifice toughness, while providing superior weatherproofing to protect sensitive electronics and equipment from the elements. This strategic pivot leverages the company's core engineering strengths to address the unique and demanding requirements of public safety fleets.

“With the Law Enforcement Package, DECKED continues to redefine what fleet upfit means for law enforcement,” said Jody Carlson, Vice President of Sales for DECKED, in the company's announcement. “Designed for durability, accessibility and precision, it gives departments the confidence to perform without compromise. Every feature reflects our commitment to those who serve – keeping gear secure, officers mission-ready and fleets operating efficiently.”

This commitment is visible in the system's compatibility with existing K-9 cages and cargo racks, ensuring that agencies can integrate the DECKED system without needing to discard prior investments in their vehicle setups.

The New Calculus of Fleet Upfitting

Perhaps the most compelling aspect for police departments and municipal fleet managers lies in the operational logistics. In an era of strained budgets, supply chain disruptions, and long lead times for new vehicles, maximizing the efficiency of every asset is paramount. Vehicle downtime for upfitting is a direct cost, both in labor and in the temporary loss of a patrol unit.

DECKED directly addresses this by claiming its PIU Drawer System offers a low lead time and can be installed faster than competing solutions. For a fleet manager juggling dozens or hundreds of vehicles, this translates into tangible benefits: reduced labor costs for installation and, more importantly, getting mission-critical vehicles out of the garage and into service more quickly. This efficiency can be a decisive factor in procurement decisions, especially for agencies struggling to maintain fleet readiness amidst vehicle shortages.

The system's durability also plays into the total cost of ownership. A storage solution that withstands the rigors of daily patrol duty, protects expensive equipment from damage, and reduces wear and tear on the vehicle itself provides long-term value that extends beyond its initial purchase price. By offering a professional-grade solution that is both robust and efficient to deploy, DECKED is positioning itself not just as a component supplier, but as a strategic partner in modern fleet management.

This focus on smart, efficient design represents a significant trend in the evolution of public safety infrastructure. While not a digital or AI-driven technology, innovations in material science and ergonomic engineering provide a critical foundation for officer effectiveness. By creating an organized, secure, and instantly accessible mobile workspace, such systems empower officers to perform their duties with greater safety and confidence, ultimately strengthening the operational backbone of law enforcement agencies.