Emergency Response

Mobile Command Vehicles

Coordinate your response efforts with the most dependable brand in Mobile Command Vehicle development. We’ll build your custom vehicle from the ground up — then provide the service you need to stay on the road for years to come.

See our customer builds

There’s no place for compromise in the line of duty. At Summit Bodyworks, we take our job as a provider of mobile command vehicles seriously. Each vehicle is designed to put communication first, with the latest technology options available in addition to plenty of interior meeting space, dependable craftsmanship, and lots of storage. Our installation team works side by side with our certified emergency vehicle technicians (EVT), ensuring that each vehicle is completed to the highest standards that law enforcement requires.

We provide a wide selection of body options as well as custom solutions to fit the needs and budget of police, fire, and emergency departments throughout the nation. Whether you need an inconspicuous vehicle to navigate the narrow urban streets or a spacious truck with room to accommodate a fleet of officers, we will deliver the vehicle that’s right for you.

And our service doesn’t stop at delivery. Thanks to our extensive partner network across the U.S. and Canada, we will make sure your vehicle stays in top condition at all times. Look through our wide selection of mobile command vehicles and give us a call today to discuss how we can bring a custom solution to your department.

Trusted Rugged Chassis

Your vehicle needs to be dependable enough to last for years. That’s why we build on the highest-quality chassis in the industry. With the sturdy base of a reliable chassis, you can rest assured that the foundation of your vehicle will never be compromised.
Technology Options

What’s a mobile command vehicle without up-to-the-minute technology? Our designers can equip your vehicle with cellular and satellite data connectivity, radio capabilities, charging stations, computer workstations, and more. These solutions free you up to focus on the security that really matters.
Custom Meeting Spaces

Our design team will work with you to outfit your mobile command vehicle with meeting areas, workstations, and cabinetry for storage. Choose from a selection of pull-out dividers and panels that allow you to maximize every inch of your vehicle.
Storage Options Available

You shouldn’t have to choose between efficiency and space. With creative storage solutions, we’re here to make sure that your vehicle has enough compartments to fit all of your equipment, gear, and technology — no matter the size.
Craftsmanship for Long-Term Use

At Summit Bodyworks, we take care of our vehicles the same way we take care of our customers. Our certified craftsmen build vehicles that will last for years to come — and our service department is here to make sure that you stay there.

Featured Builds

Check out some of our recent favorite builds for some satisfied customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mobile command vehicle?

Mobile command vehicles are very reliable and cost-effective, and they are designed specifically to get to a certain location as rapidly as possible. Their streamlined size allows them to maneuver easily in urban and rural areas. Most are used to remotely dispatch units, coordinate radio systems, provide support for video conferencing, teleconferencing, information acquisition, and more. In all of this, the mission of the mobile command vehicle is always the same: to establish and improve communication.

The mission that a mobile command vehicle is designed to fulfill can vary widely from state to state, city to city, and even from department to department. They may be used for national disasters, terrorist attacks, events that require heightened security, or local accidents and emergencies. Thankfully, MCVs are flexible and can be used to fulfill a variety of functions. Departments may even lend their mobile command vehicles to each other during a moment of crisis.

What types of missions are mobile command vehicles used for?

They may have, for example, data analysis and processing capabilities. They may also have small meeting and conferencing areas inside, allowing personnel to remotely oversee, control, and respond to threats that are happening in a nearby location.

Mobile command vehicles are sent out to establish communication during a variety of situations, including emergencies, accidents, and national or local security threats. While they are designed for crisis control, their primary function is for communication. Many have access to satellite, internet, video, and radio. They can operate at a federal, state, or local level, and they are specially built for crisis control. They are often used to coordinate a rapid response to natural disasters, and they may also be used to provide security for large-scale events

What are the basic elements of a mobile command vehicle?

Mobile command vehicles vary in length from 18 – 45 feet in length and are custom-built on top of a chassis. Inside, they are outfitted with a variety of communication technology, including cellular and satellite data connectivity, video teleconferencing services, and multiple communication systems. As of 2018, the Department of Homeland Security reportedly had eight mobile command vehicles stationed in regional offices throughout the United States. In addition, they had four mobile command vehicles that operated out of SUVs, nicknamed the “Rabbits.” These SUV-based mobile command vehicles are designed to rapidly respond to threats, navigate a variety of terrains, and quickly establish a communication presence in almost any type of area. While SUV-MCVs often do not have the same technology and conferencing capabilities inside the vehicle due to their small interiors, they can be used in conjunction with traditional MCVs to provide a heightened response.

Is a CDL required to drive most mobile command vehicles?

In many cases, yes. Typically, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is only required if you are driving a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or higher. Though many mobile command vehicles are over this limit, many are also below it. Some may range as high as 54,000 GVWR while others may come in as low as 14,500 GVWR.

The GVWR requirement is issued at a federal level. Be aware, though, that CDLs are issued at the state level, and individual states may have their own licensing requirements. You should always check with your state’s department of transportation (DOT) or on your state’s official government website for the latest requirements. You can also keep up with CDL rules by checking with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Who typically needs a mobile command vehicle?

Mobile command vehicles are typically purchased, operated, and deployed by the federal, state, and local governments, as well as their partners. Some branches of government that operate mobile command vehicle programs include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Protective Service, and the National Protection and Programs Directorate

Mobile command centers are also commonly used by police and public safety departments in most major cities. During natural disasters, cities will often coordinate their response efforts in order to protect their communities. For example, in 2012, the New York City and New Jersey public safety departments deployed mobile command vehicles to monitor and coordinate a response effort to Hurricane Sandy. Mobile command vehicles were also used in San Diego in 2007 during the outbreak of wildfires.