2009 Innovation Awards Presented

The Cygnus Law Enforcement Group presented the 2009 Innovation awards on October 4th in Denver, Colorado. The awards event was held in conjunction with the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Innovation Awards recognize new products and services introduced to the law enforcement market during the previous year. Manufacturers submit their newest and most inventive products for evaluation from a panel of independent judges of law enforcement professionals. There were 14 categories of entries this year and over 115 products were entered.

Tabatha Wethal, Associate Editor for Law Enforcement Technology Magazine, hosted the invitation-only event held at the Magnolia Ballroom in Denver. Attendees enjoyed food and drinks at the reception.

The Cygnus Law Enforcement Group is comprised of the properties of Cygnus Business Media dedicated to law enforcement. These include Law Enforcement Technology and Law Enforcement Product News magazines, Officer.com, and Enforcement Expo.

The winners of this year's Innovation Awards are:

Body Armor & Safety Category Winner:
5.11 Tactical
UC3.400 Light for Life Flashlight

5.11's brilliant new flashlight re-charges in 90 seconds, uses no batteries and lasts virtually forever. The innovative new Light for Life UC3.400 is unlike any flashlight you've ever seen or used - and could be the last one you'll ever need. It uses no batteries, charges in just 90 seconds and lasts up to 2 hours per charge. The Light for Life UC3.400 is rated for 50,000 charge cycles (that equals one charge a day for 135 years) and has no memory degradation issues. As the world's first "batteryless" flashlight, it's green, lightweight, cost-effective and lasts practically forever. The editors at Popular Science magazine found it so innovative, they featured the Light for Life UC3.400 in their July 2009 issue as a Pick of the Month in the "The Goods: 12 must-have products" section.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Mustang Survival, Inc: Water Rescue Kit (MRK 110)
• Wiley X, Inc: Wiley X Talon

Communications Category Winner:
Nixle
Nixle: The Municipal Wire

Nixle's Municipal Wire is the first standardized, secure, and certified communication platform for local police departments, municipalities, and their agencies to communicate important, neighborhood-level information to the residents of their communities. Nixle's Municipal Wire is available at no cost to residents or police departments, and uses the same compelling model as social applications, such as Twitter and Facebook, while adding the security that is critical to ensure information received by users is Trusted and Accurate. Residents receive all information immediately by text message, email and web.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Motorola, Inc: Motorola APX 7000 multi-band portable radio
• Wilson Electronics: SignalBoost MobilePro

Computers Category Winner:
TASER
TASER AXON

TASER International's new integrated digital multi-media evidence collection, storage and management solution features two innovative technologies. The "hardware" is TASER® AXON, an on-officer tactical computer and video-audio recorder that captures incidents from the officer’s perspective. AXON together with to software, EVIDENCE.COM, will protect truth through an end-to-end integrated solution to capture, store securely, and analyze digital evidence and information in ways that enables tactical and strategic decision making by law enforcement, as well as for legal evidentiary use.

The AXON system is a tactical computer that brings the power of incident video to every law enforcement officer. Law enforcement officers constantly face false allegations and complaints that question their integrity and honor. With AXON, the officer now has the ability to show administrators and even jurors exactly what the officer saw, from the officer's perspective. The AXON system is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing law enforcement radio communications equipment through a standard 3.5 mm headphone connection, providing two-way communication in addition to full audio-video recording from a head camera the size and weight of a standard Bluetooth® headset.

The AXON system consists of three components: Headcam; Com Hub; AXON Tactical Computer

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Getac, Inc: V100 Fully Rugged Convertible
• Panasonic Computer Solutions Company: Panasonic Toughbook 30

Corrections & Security Category Winner:
Jersey Tactical Corp.
Jersey Cuff

The Jersey Cuff is a patented product produced by the Jersey Tactical Corp. The cuff was designed to resolve many deficiencies found in our competitor’s products. For decades there have been many problems with the flexible restraints on the market. They were always difficult to deploy, place on a subject or carry multiple restraints without falling out of pockets or getting snared on obstacles. The Jersey Cuff was designed and improved by operators who are currently using these restraints in the field and have had negative experiences with other disposable restraints.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Real Action Paintball RAP4: T68 Split Fire
• Shure MFG: DP-20 Package Passer

Firearms & Weapons Category Winner:
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc
Ruger SR-556

Ruger introduces the innovative, patent pending, two-stage piston driven Ruger SR-556 auto-loading rifle the runs cleaner, cooler, and is easier to maintain than gas driven rifles.

The four-position adjustable gas regulator allows the operator to tune the rifle to specific ammunition and rifle conditions, minimizing recoil and maximizing reliability and long tern endurance. The heavy contour, 1:9 twist rate 16-1/8" barrel is cold hammer forged from Mil-Spec 41V45 Chrome-Moly-Vanadium Steel. The Ruger SR-556 is chambered in 5.56mm NATO.

A one-piece, ten-inch SR-556-specific Troy Industries Quad Rail Handguard provides ample room for mounting sights, optics and accessories. The SR-556 is equipped with Troy Industries Folding BattleSights. The Ruger SR-556 is equipped with a six-position telescoping M4-style buttstock that houses a Mil-Spec buffer and spring.

Durability and performance of the SR-556 is enhanced with the use of high-performance finished: The barrel and gal block are chrome lines, while the bolt, bolt carrier, and extractor are chrome plated. The piston driven transfer rod is electroless nickel/Teflon coated. The flash hider and the exterior of the barrel, gas block, and regulator are manganese phosphate coated. All aluminum parts are Mil-Spec hard coat anodized.

The SR-556 is supplied with three, thirty-round Magpul PMAG magazines.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc: Ruger LCR
• Columbia River Knife & Tool Company: Ignitor (Model 6865)

Firearms & Weapons Accessories Category Winner:
ASP, Inc
BreakAway Baton Subcap

Car windows are sealed against the rain with a soft, flexible rubber gasket. Striking the side window of a vehicle with a baton is ineffective. The tempered glass of the window will absorb the baton strike as the molding flexes. Center punches have been used by officers to break car windows. However, when a punch is needed, officers often find that it has been left in the patrol car or duty case. During a crisis there is no time to go back and look for them. When using a center punch, the officer stands in front of the car window presenting a ready target. Most dangerous is the fact that the punching motion carries the officer's hand through the window and propels glass at the occupants. Finally, a center punch has no effect on the front windshield of a car.

The BreakAway subcap consists of three ground ceramic pins that are set at precise angles in a domed geometric. During daily use, the pins are covered by the existing baton cap. Removing the cover cap exposes the pins. Standing to the side in a tactically superior position, a light tap will disintegrate the side or back windows of any car. The glass falls straight down with no danger to the occupants. Striking in a circle, the officer can punch a hole in any windshield. Low profile. Inexpensive. Allows the use of any accessory cap. May be safely used for closed mode strikes.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Surefire, LLC: Titan T1A
• Trijicon, Inc: Trijicon RMR (RM05)

Forensics Category Winner:
Guidance Software
EnCase Portable

EnCase Portable® is a groundbreaking pocket-sized data acquisition tool that those untrained in digital forensics to easily acquire forensic evidence anywhere in the field, just as the experts do. EnCase can be used by police, civilian investigators and parole officers to acquire data without an onsite forensic expert, military and other government personnel to quickly and accurately collect data during covert operations, and corporate IT or law firm personnel to acquire information at any location for digital investigations.

With EnCase Portable, even a novice computer user can search and collect data from computer systems, allowing forensic experts and other specialists to dedicate time and attention to their areas of expertise. Virtually any user can be trained in minutes. What's even more compelling is that data collected is stored in a forensically sound-court validated EnCase LEF format, which is the standard preservation / authentication mechanism for digital evidence.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• C.J. Cooper & Associates: DrugCheck NxScan OnSite
• Digital Certainty: Wi-Fi Investigator

Software Category Winner:
TASER
EVIDENCE COM

TASER International's new integrated digital multi-media evidence collection, storage and management solution features two innovative technologies. The "software" is EVIDENCE.COM, a world-class, Web 3.0 cloud computing service providing secure storage and groundbreaking analytic capability for digital information and evidence while preserving a pristine evidentiary chain of custody. EVIDENCE.COM together with the "hardware" TASER® AXON, will protect truth through an end-to-end integrated solution to capture, store securely, and analyze digital evidence and information in ways that enables tactical and strategic decision making by law enforcement, as well as for legal evidentiary use.

EVIDENCE.COM is a full featured software as a service system designed around easy-to-use dashboards that turn geospatial multi-media evidence, such as GPS tagged video, into visual dashboards and tactical maps with full click-through to underlying video data.

EVIDENCE.COM automatically links together the AXON videos from the same scene. Revolutionary Perspective Hopping technology allows you to jump between videos from different AXON units to see the visual perspective of each officer on scene as the events happen. Advanced features like Visual Fusion Centers allow agencies to create secure groups to seamlessly share evidence and collaborate on cases.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Laser Shot: LaserShot Virtual Shoothouse (LVS)
• Orion Communications: CourtNotify Civilian

Surveillance Category Winner:
Seon Design Inc
Sherpa

The Sherpa - Seon Design's innovative rapid deployment CCTV camera system

Seon Design Inc. has launched the innovative Sherpa, the only true rapid mobile video surveillance deployment system that can climb a pole by itself. Gone are the days of hiring a cherry picker or erecting a dummy pole in a pre-set concrete base. Deployed in less than 10 minutes, The Sherpa can deliver a number of pan/tilt/zoom camera heads to the top of existing poles (9 inches - 4 inches in diameter).

The Sherpa has a multitude of applications including crowd control, covert surveillance, border patrol and arson prevention. Many police forces, fire departments and city councils across Europe already rely on the Sherpa for these purposes today. The system has a proven track record. Countless documented cases illustrate just how quickly the Sherpa can offer a calculable return on investment.

Like all Seon products, the Sherpa is reliable, robust and all-weather proof. The cameras can be controlled remotely from a single location, either by radio transmission (1.2 km), 3G, GSM, Wi-Fi, or any other recognized transmission system. Once in place, the camera can remain active for up to 48 hours. Video recording can take place either remotely, locally at the camera head, or in both places.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• US Night Vision Corp.: ATAC 360
• VIEVU: PVR-LE2 Video

Tactical Category Winner:
Jersey Tactical Corp.
Jersey Boot

The "Jersey Boot" TM. is a new patent pending multipurpose breaching tool that was created by the Jersey Tactical Corp. The Jersey Boot was, designed out of necessity by officers with extensive field experience. Thus it is made by breachers for breachers. It is 100% made in the USA using nothing but 100% USA steel in its construction. The Jersey Boot simply stated is "Made by the American Worker for the American Warrior" TM. It was designed for 20 plus uses, each greater than the next. The Jersey Boot is the first tool of its kind that has been able to cross over into all fields. The tool is applicable for fire, rescue, SWAT, Military, active shooter, and police/first responder operators. The Jersey Boot weighs in at 25 lbs with no moving parts and has a lifetime warranty on the striking head under human use. It is 26" over all in length and allows the operator to complete countless maneuvers in tight quarters. It truly is a CQB breaching/rescue tool.

The operator will no longer have to search for multiple tools for breaching and or emergency operations. This one tool replaces rams, rakes, pry bars, sledge hammers, bolt cutters, hydraulic spreaders, steps, axes, and many other tools. It has 20 plus uses, with no moving parts.

The following are a few of its multiple uses: Traditional ram, height differential ram, CQB ram, prying action, fire axe, digging tool, lock buster, chain buster, step. There are many more ways the Jersey Boot can help you accomplish your mission which are only limited to your imagination.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• BLACKHAWK! Products Group: Small Pry
• Leupold & Stevens, Inc: MX-431 Tactical Flashlight

Traffic Enforcement Category Winner:
Laser Technology, Inc
TruCAM

Laser Speed Enforcement + Video Camera = Indisputable Evidence

LTI has integrated a speed laser with a digital video camera and a built-in touch-screen activated data recorder, making the TruCAM the most sophisticated speed enforcement tool available today. Nobody has every successfully integrated all 3 components into a single handheld, portable laser! A complete chain of video evidence is collected, along with a high resolution image that identifies vehicle make and model, license plate number and facial characteristics of the driver. The TruCAM is more than a speed enforcement laser and video camera; the data it produces can feed into any Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. By utilizing GPS, it automatically generates location-based information every time the TruCAM is used.

LTI has patented technology that measures the time and distance between vehicles. This is the only available technology that allows traffic offers to validate a "following too closely" (a.k.a tailgating) violation. The TruCAM is able to acquire these critical measurements and back it up with video and photographic evidence. It is also capable of enforcing multiple speeds (for commercial vehicle speed enforcement) and even has a rear plate mode that helps capture the license plate of hard to get motorcycles. A picture may be worth a thousands words, but a video tells the whole story. The TruCAM has completely revolutionized the traffic enforcement market.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Adventure Lights: VIP Police Strobe
• Kustom Signals, Inc: Raptor RP-1

Training Category Winner:
Blue Training Systems
Blue Baton

Blue Baton was launched at ILEETA in April 2009. It is a "realistic" expandable/collapsible lightweight polymer plastic baton which was designed for use in Reality Based Training and Standard Baton Training/Recertification. It allows the officer to employ the same motor skills that she/he would use during a baton use "on the street". This includes realistic negative time frames necessary for locating, drawing, and expanding the "weapon" prior to its use.

The only real difference is the weight. Essentially, the lighter the object, the less force will be generated. Properly padded role players will not feel much impact energy as Blue Baton only weighs approximately 3.5 oz! Its unique flex tip allows for the striking section to decelerate on contact as opposed to it being rigid and transferring energy more traditionally. It is colored blue to allow training safety officers/instructors to observe that a "real" baton is not being used in a scenario by mistake. Blue Baton also comes with two different end caps should the officers currently use a mushroom-shaped (Hindi Cap) or regular-based end cap. Blue Baton also fits into the multitude of common holsters/scabbards whether open or closed.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• OK Fine Productions: Hazmat/Water Rescue
• SIMmersion LLC: Invesigative Interview w/ Jennifer Lerner Simulation & Training Software

Uniforms & Apparel Category Winner:
Tru-Spec by Atlanco
Tactical Response Combat Shirt

The traditional BDU continues to evolve with the introduction of TRU-SPEC's remarkable Tactical Response Combat Shirt, a truly unique shirt designed to be worn under tactical vests.

The body of the Tactical Response Combat Shirt is made from Cordura® brand baselayer® , an ultra comfortable cotton nylon blend that looks and feels like lightweight t-shirt material but also breathes, wicks away moisture, dries quickly, and provides low level heat and burn protection. The sleeves are adapted from Tru-Spec's Tactical Response Uniform, with all the functional features that helped make the original TRU so popular.

MultiCam® and Army Digital camo patterns available in 50/50 Nyco no drip, no melt rip-stop sleeves; Several other colors available in 65/35 polyester cotton rip-stop sleeves without no melt, no-drip properties.

The Tactical Response Combat Shirt is affordably priced for individual operators and teams on a budget.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Elbeco, Inc: Elbeco Ladies Choice Trousers
• Rudy Project: Rydon Tactical

Vehicles & Vehicle Accessories Category Winner:
Havis, Inc
Idleright (C-1R)

Havis®, Inc. introduces their latest innovation, the IDLERIGHT Vehicle Idle Fuel Management System (patent pending). This small ingenious device measuring approximately 4.75" x 4.13" x 1.25", attaches to the vehicles ignition, battery, & warning light systems. When the vehicle arrives on the scene, one can simply turn the car off, leaving all of the critical warning lights activated for hours allowing one to focus on the job at hand and not have to worry about the power being consumed by the warning lights.

This hot new product will save vehicles immediate and substantial fuel dollars. Municipalities spend millions on fuel used to idle vehicles that must keep their emergency lights flashing. Havis IDLERIGHT will monitor the battery's condition and automatically idle your vehicle when necessary. IDLERIGHT will decrease engine wear and harmful exhaust emissions, lengthening the life of the vehicle.

This product exceeds anti-idling regulations in most states and works with gas as well as diesel engines. Havis IDLERIGHT will allow you to focus on your job, not your vehicle. With IDLERIGHT, you’re always on. Contact Havis today & start saving on fuel immediately.

Along with the winner, the finalists in this category were:

• Code 3, Inc: Defender Lightbar
• Xtreme Green Products: Sentinel Police Mobility Vehicle (PMV)