Hoboken Public Safety Department advances Police Mobile Command Center  

Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar announced a significant step toward the development of the Hoboken Police Department’s (HPD) Police Mobile Command Center, following City Council approval to purchase the vehicle, along with additional technology upgrades to enhance overall HPD emergency response.

The Mobile Command Center will be outfitted with critical communications, computer, and surveillance systems and will be deployed during major incidents, large community events, and emergency response operations. The Ford Transit van will be customized specifically for HPD, with emergency lighting, cameras, communications equipment, and other modern technology. The contract, awarded to 10-75 Emergency Vehicles, based in Haskell, NJ, is $371,300.

In addition to the mobile command vehicle, the City Council approved several contracts to further advance technologies and support the unit, including:

• The purchase of two Polaris Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) designed to provide enhanced mobility in small or crowded spaces when responding to emergencies, directed patrol initiatives, or supporting large community events, and more.
• A 10-year license plate reader and drone program to help track down stolen vehicles, find wanted individuals, and more.
• The purchase of two mobile CCTV trailers to assist HPD with crime deterrence, surveillance, event security, traffic management, and other initiatives.  

The three contracts total approximately $683,150.

“These investments are a huge step toward creating a state-of-the-art system, built specifically to meet the needs of the Hoboken community and our Police Department,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I thank the council members who voted in support of our first responders by providing them with the modern technology and updated tools they need to protect our residents even better.”

“The approval of these advancements reflects the City’s commitment to public safety, emergency readiness, and ensuring the Hoboken Police Department is equipped with state-of-the-art resources to serve the community,” said Director Ferrante. “Thank you to those who voted in favor of these ordinances to protector our residents and visitors, not only during emergencies and planned events, but every single day.”

“The mobile command center will provide our department with the equipment and technology needed to respond to emergencies faster, smarter, and more efficiently,” said Chief Aguiar. “I appreciate the administration and the council for understanding how important this state-of-the art technology is in helping our team remain one of the best.”

The Mobile Command Center and additional technology upgrades are estimated to be put into service by summer of 2026.