Sometimes we who work in law enforcement must use our vehicles as a tool for more than just transport. This can be as simple as activating overhead lights to warn motorists or initiate a traffic stop. It might also be as complex as employing force with our patrol vehicle in order to end a highly charged incident, as with a PIT (pursuit immobilization technique) maneuver.
This is why, like other components, the installation and implementation of frontend push bars and full frontal fender wraparounds is important. As with other specialized parts on your patrol vehicle, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding if a push bar or fender wrap system is appropriate for your agency, and if so, what type to choose. Here are some considerations and industry trends for LE push bars and fender wraps.
To Bump, or Not to Bump?
Push bars and fender wraps offer some definite benefits, but make sure the features of the product you purchase align with the needs of your department.
First, consider that a push bumper does exactly what the name implies. It’s designed to push another vehicle or object out of the roadway. In doing so, the resultant contact with another vehicle can lead to that vehicle’s damage. In some cases, this might not be a big deal. In other cases, such damage could lead to motorist lawsuit. Because of this, many agencies have a “no-contact” policy for their officers. Some agencies state that when necessary, officers may only use the front bumper to push a vehicle. For agencies that allow contact, the push bar can be advantageous and can reduce damage to the patrol vehicle.
Many of today’s push bumpers have a protective “soft” layer on the face of the front where contact will occur to help minimize damage. But keep in mind that many of today’s newer vehicles have easily deformable bumper covers to address weight, packaging, styling and even pedestrian safety issues. Therefore, it’s critical that proper training be conducted to maximize efficiency and minimize damage. If your agency is considering the use of push bars, first look at your current policies to see if a policy needs to be developed.
PIT Maneuvers
The push bumper by itself is designed to push, as well as protect the front center point of the patrol vehicle. It’s not designed to assist in PIT, which seems obvious. But I hear more than you would think from people who haven’t made this distinction.
However, if your agency uses PIT, then the use of a push bar/fender wrap assembly could be advantageous in protecting the front corners of the patrol vehicle if the fender wrap extends far enough down the front fender. Even if your agency doesn’t authorize PIT, the protection offered by a push bumper and fender wrap can be advantageous, especially in tight maneuverability or areas where wildlife is prominent.
Either way, it’s critical that once you decide to mount a push bar, your officers are properly trained on policy and proper use. You don’t want to run the risk of an officer figuring they can ram, push or PIT a vehicle simply because they have new shiny black steel or aluminum bars up front.
Industry Trends
We’re fortunate these days because push bar manufacturers have stepped up their selection and innovations. Some of the leading manufacturers out there like Setina, Go-Rhino!, Pro-gard and Ibis Tek, have been making front bumper protection for many years. They offer push bumpers and wraps of various configurations and sizes.
Some push bumpers like the Setina PB-400, the most widely used bumper, are basically a one-piece welded design. On the other hand, other models are modular in design to accommodate replacing individual parts. Setina offers many of its bumpers in both steel and aluminum, and some allow fastening of fender wrap assemblies at a later date if desired.
Companies like Ibis Tek have essentially a complete bumper cover-and-wrap assembly that’s constructed entirely of 6061 T6 aluminum. As expected, it’s much larger than a simple push bar, so it weighs more. But it encases the entire front end in protection. Other systems like those offered by Pro-gard are one-piece steel.
Another trend is the integration of LED lighting into the bar with prewiring. Setina has several models where the lights are integrated, whereas others like Pro-gard allow for external mounting LED light pods. Most manufacturers, including Go Rhino!, offer multiple spots to mount lights, siren horns and other accessories. Many styles of bumpers feature multiple spacing distances between vertical and horizontal bars and mounting surfaces. So, if you’re planning to repurpose an existing light pod or siren on a new bumper, be sure to have the unit handy to test fit on a new design you’re considering.
Finally, it’s important to ensure that whatever bumper design you choose is airbag compliant and preferably drill-free for ease of installation and resale considerations.
Summary
Push bars and fender wraps can be a valuable asset on your patrol vehicle. They’re a layer of protection that will keep your vehicles looking and running better, longer. After careful selection based on agency needs, policy, training protocols and patrol environment, you might find they make sense.