Fairfax County Police Hide Their Antennas in Plain Sight
As the selection of police wireless technologies grows, so does the need for an antenna system that can accommodate them all in a svelte housing.
A visible police presence can be a good thing, like when it deters crime in areas with a recent rash of burglaries or discourages speeding near schools. Case in point: The Fairfax County Police Department, whose 2025 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative includes increasing foot and vehicular patrols throughout the diverse and densely populated region in Virgina that includes urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas.
One example is the Mosaic District, where patrons of the upscale restaurants, retailers, and events saw its Ford Police Interceptors more than ever. The department relies on always-on connectivity to transmit real-time location data, access mission-critical databases, and maintain constant communication with the officers in those cruisers, as well as with dispatch and partner agencies. This connectivity must perform efficiently in continuous motion, across varied terrain, and in unpredictable environments.
Taoglas’ expertise went far beyond simply providing an antenna. They understood the unique demands of law enforcement vehicles and delivered a solution that seamlessly fit into our fleet.
Kevin Hopkins Fairfax County Police Department
The Challenge
In modern first responder fleets, vehicle aesthetics, covert appearance, and ease of installation are becoming increasingly important. Just as prime city views command high prices in real estate, the roof of an emergency vehicle is valuable “beachfront property” for antennas, acting as an ideal ground plane that significantly impacts signal performance.
Traditionally, police vehicles have been equipped with 10 or more visible antennas. Although these configurations were effective, the big bristle of antennas sticks out like a sore thumb and increases costs, complexity, and maintenance challenges. Today, agencies prefer cleaner, more discreet designs that reduce installation time and preserve the vehicle’s appearance, which is vital for both operational efficiency and resale value. Repairing a single drilled hole can cost up to $200, meaning a vehicle with ten antennas could incur substantial costs when retired from service.
However, rooftop real estate is more limited than it seems. Vehicles such as the Ford Police Interceptor have raised roof ribs that restrict antenna placement, and the presence of light bars and other equipment must be considered to avoid signal interference. Traditional installations can take three to four hours per vehicle, often involving multiple drilled holes, complex cabling, and precise sealing to ensure durability and weather resistance. For a large fleet, this process can quickly become costly and time-consuming. The Fairfax County Police Department needed a solution that seamlessly fit into their vehicle designs, supported all required communications technologies, and provided uncompromising reliability.
The Solution
To address this need for a faster, cleaner, and more capable antenna system, the Taoglas Patriot Series was developed— a compact, multi-function roof-mount antenna designed specifically for first responder fleets. Measuring just 205 mm by 180 mm, the Patriot consolidates up to 18 antenna elements into a single enclosure, supporting:
- 4G/5G cellular (including FirstNet, 600–6000 MHz)
- Dual-band GNSS (L1 and L1/L5) plus secondary GNSS (L1)
- Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.8, and 7.1 GHz)
- SDARS (2.3 GHz)
- LMR/TETRA (380–400 MHz and 700–900 MHz)
- Optional whip element for full plate_number_1/UHF/700–900 MHz support
For vehicles such as the Ford Police Interceptor, the Patriot can replace the existing OEM shark fin, eliminating the need for additional holes and reducing installation time to under one hour. Its precision-engineered foam gasket provides a perfect seal against the vehicle’s curved roof, protecting cables and components from water ingress.
The benefits extend beyond just speed. By consolidating multiple antennas into one low-profile unit, the Fairfax County Police Department has reduced vehicle downtime, improved fleet aesthetics, and minimized costly roof repairs at the end of the vehicle’s life cycle. For agencies operating under tight public safety budgets, the Patriot offers both operational efficiency and long-term financial value.
The Outcome
“Taoglas’ expertise went far beyond simply providing an antenna. They understood the unique demands of law enforcement vehicles and delivered a solution that seamlessly fit into our fleet. Their team was highly responsive to our needs. The Patriot antenna has streamlined our upfitting process, reduced vehicle downtime, and provided us with the reliable, always-on connectivity we need.” – Kevin Hopkins, Field Operations Support Manager, Fairfax County Police Department.
For a closer look at those and other benefits, watch the video below featuring Kevin.
