Over the last few decades, law enforcement has taken extra measures in fighting crime. Aside from the technological advances that are widespread in the criminal division, police officers are continuing to implement various robust vehicles into their fleets. Some police departments have so far added great pursuit vehicles. To keep up in hot pursuits, some departments have added ex-military vehicles, such as Lamborghini Gallardos and Bugatti Veyrons. Last year, South Florida Jeep provided custom Gladiators to the Florida Police department. Police cars of the 21st century come in all segments, thanks to the help of the government and automakers around the globe. The police now have vehicles that are fast enough to catch up to any sports car. Some police departments also use muscle cars. Also, Law enforcers want to have vehicles that will intimidate lawbreakers. But just how large and daunting can they be? Here is a good example. The Palm Bay Police Department equipped its crime-fighting fleet with this amazing MRAP SWAT truck.

The Nick Off-Duty YouTube channel packs a lot of content. The series features nick, a popular YouTuber, who visits police stations around the US to take a look at some hot police vehicles. He also gets a chance to go for a ride and learn about some cool gadgets that law enforcers use when duty calls. Episode 6 of the police car series featured the Palm Bay Police Department’s MRAP vehicle. Officer David Morales, a training expert, ran Nick through all the bells and whistles found on the truck.

The Palm Bay Police Department’s Black MRAP is the best heavy-duty SWAT vehicle. We’ll be going through its robust exterior design, interior, specs, and other special features that boost its authenticity.

History Of The MRAP

The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle) isn’t the typical SWAT truck. It’s designed to uphold peace, save lives and protect the soldiers inside. According to Officer Morales, the MRAP replaced the previously-widespread SWAT vehicles. These had a weaker construction and resistance. Also, the last vehicles never stood a chance against heavy weapons and mines. The MRAP was specifically tailored to these issues. The result was bigger and stronger.

Unlike its predecessors, the MRAP offered better protection to soldiers during battle, thanks to its bulletproof properties. After its inclusion, the MRAP quickly became a popular and first-choice SWAT vehicle. Now, these vehicles have made their way into various police departments. The MRAPs are assisting in big police callings, such as ramming, riot control, and rescue missions. They also help with observational tasks, among other local law enforcement level errands.

The Palm Bay MRAP Gets A Huge Intimidating Character

The first thing you’ll notice about the MRAP is that it’s massive. Not only is the truck covered with thick armor, though. Its design features a heavy iron construction that is impenetrable, to begin with. At the front, the MRAP has a fierce-looking grille. This includes LED police lights installed at the top of the grille and siren boxes on both sides. The front gets a huge wench that came standard on all MRAP vehicles. A thick metal mesh conceals the headlights and signal lights, located at the bumper level.

On top of the armor-framed windshields, the MRAP features heavy floodlights. These provide the greatest visibility to the driver and co-driver. Everything on the MRAP has labels, from the doors to the oil dipstick location. The back of the MRAP features a ladder and tailgate that, when opened, provides access to the operators’ seats in the rear. This heavily-armored truck has very high ground clearance, making it perfect for any off-road situation. Also, its doors are higher up and are accessible via steps strategically placed on the sides.

This six-wheeler has 20-inch rims. Unlike on most SWAT vehicles, the tires on the MRAP come equipped with a special feature called the run-flat system. This feature helps in an event that an object punctures the tires. Basically, the system engages to keep the tires from going flat all the way.

The MRAP’s Interior Takes Safety To A Whole New Level

After giving us an impression of the exterior, we got a chance to see what was inside. At a glance, the MRAP gets a simplistic interior. The cockpit features climate controls and quick-release seat belts. It also has extra buttons and switches. These allow the driver and co-driver to control the lighting, climate and start the engine. There are two large buttons at the center of the dashboard. The bottom yellow button is the parking brake function. This applies the parking brake when pulled, and releases it when pressed. The interior also comes with a percent grade indicator. This indicates the level of overall tilt, with a safe mid-level marked in black.

The rear packs two bench seats enough for 8 operators. These benches sit on top of storage boxes that house a lot of police equipment, such as hammers, breaching tools, and many more. You’ll also find shields that come equipped with lights. These also offer transparent panels (called portals) that allow operators to see what’s in front of them. As far as police vehicles go, the MRAP is ready for anything you throw at it.