Police Security Expo

Celebrates 25th Silver Anniversary

Crank up the energy machine. The silver anniversary of the law enforcement “Super Show” is cranking up its engine. Police Security Expo celebrates its 25th birthday with its traditional bash at the Atlantic City, NJ Convention Center, June 21-22. Police officers and security professionals from throughout the eastern seaboard will reunite with an all-star cast of industry exhibitors eager to display the latest in a dizzying selection of products, accessories and cool gear for the law enforcement market.

Presiding over the festivities is Miles Watkins, the grand marshal of the parade since year one. “Our little baby is all grown up,” observed Watkins. “The Police Security Expo has truly become the most important product event of the year for law enforcement. We’re so proud to have served these great men and women who wear the badge and serve and protect.”

Exhibit space has been expanded by 7,000 feet, which may just be enough for the eight tons of sand that will be transformed into an as yet unannounced work of art. The architect of the massive sand sculpture, Matt Deibert, is an Atlantic City firefighter. Matt and one assistant craftsman will convert the temporary beach into a unique creation over the two days of the show.

“Matt is an amazingly talented guy,” said Watkins. “It will be great for everybody involved in the Expo to literally watch the creative process. It will be a giant crowd pleaser. And Matt being a hometown firefighter makes it even more meaningful.”

Sadly, maybe only the bull that challenges the matador has a shorter career. “The sand sculpture will be born and die in two days,” said Watkins. “But the photos and all the memories will last forever.”

Product Focus

Among the product categories to attract heightened interest will be non-lethal weaponry. As more states continue to adopt stun gun-type weapons as standard equipment for patrol officers and SWAT, so does the emphasis on accurate information. Exhibitors of non-lethal weapons and accessories will offer the attendees product demonstrations and background seminars. “The technology, training and advancements in this segment of the market are astounding,” Watkins noted. “The seminar and product demonstrations at the Expo are a valuable contributor to the Expo experience.”

The 2012 Ford Interceptor patrol car will be one of the stars of the Expo’s newly designed vehicle showcase area. The new prowler is based on the Ford Taurus model, complete with a 3.5 liter, six-cylinder engine that’s propelled by a 263 horsepower engine. The 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the traditional Ford Crown Victoria is a key ingredient in the Interceptor’s benefit package.

“It’s a real tribute to the impact and importance of the Expo that Ford is previewing the Interceptor in Atlantic City,” Watkins noted. “We have a very strong vehicle presence at the Expo and now with the Interceptor being showcased the attendees will be enjoying an added treat.”

Additional features the Interceptor offers are a customized interior design to accommodate the officer’s duty belt for maximum comfort and safety. The transmission shifter has also been relocated from the center console to the steering column to provide more storage space in the front seat cabin.

The venerable Crown Vic delivered 70 percent of the police car market to Ford over the last five years, so the new Interceptor will be enthusiastically inspected by curious prospective buyers.

The popular “Reverse Recruiting” center will return for its third consecutive year, a service that has increased importance as more agencies lay off police officers due to drastic revenue short falls and impacted budgets for public safety operations.

“Our ‘Reverse Recuiting’ effort offers experienced police officers the opportunity to distribute their resumes to potential employing agencies,” said Watkins. “Nothing makes us prouder than to assist these officers in returning to duty.”

For more information on the 25th Anniversary Police Security Expo, contact Miles Watkins: (800) 323-1927,
[email protected], www.police-security.com