Dozens of defense contractors showed off their latest gear and technology at the annual International Police Chief Association conference and exhibition this past week in Philadelphia.
Everything from lethal and non-lethal weapons, body armor, drones, policing software, uniforms, and even vehicles were on display, including a new armored vehicle called “The Rook.”
The Rook, designed by Ring Power Corporation, a heavy equipment company that modifies vehicles, is essentially an armored Caterpillar vehicle that has been modified for SWAT and other police units.
It comes with four attachments and can be used for all kinds of scenarios, including hostage rescue, barricaded suspects, riots, and natural disasters.
At least 25 different police departments across the US have purchased one, and many more are interested, a Ring Power Corporation sales manager, Shaun Mitchell, told Business Insider Tuesday.