Console Chaos: Designing a Cockpit Officers Can Actually Use
Police vehicles are more than just transportation – they’re mobile offices, command centers, and lifelines. A well-designed “cockpit” for officers can make all the difference between smooth operations and a chaotic scramble. In this article, we tackle Console Chaos head-on: the common design mistakes that plague police vehicle consoles, the importance of real-world ergonomics, designing for workflow (not just looks), shoutouts to brands who get it right, and how we at Blueprint approach console design with a “function first, flash second” philosophy. Let’s bring order to the cockpit!
Common Console Design Mistakes
The cockpit of a modern police vehicle is packed with gear – note the rugged center console bristling with control switches for lights, sirens, communications, and a mounted computer terminal. Without intentional design, this essential equipment can quickly turn into a cluttered mess that’s hard for an officer to manage in the heat of duty. Effective console design tames this chaos by grouping controls logically and keeping critical functions within easy reach.
Switch Overload: One frequent mistake is overloading the console with a jungle of switches and gadgets. It’s not uncommon to see older patrol cars with rows of identical toggle switches for every light and siren, plus separate panels tacked on over time. The result? An officer confronted with a dizzying array of unlabeled or look-alike switches under stress – a recipe for error. A cluttered console isn’t just ugly; it “slows response times and increases stress” for officers who waste precious seconds fumbling for the right control. When every second counts, no one wants to play “find the right button” amidst a sea of switches.
Touchscreens Gone Wrong: Moving to the other extreme, some designers think slapping a giant touchscreen in the middle of the dash will solve all problems. But touchscreens placed in dumb spots or used for everything can backfire. Unlike physical knobs or switches, a flat screen offers no tactile feedback – meaning officers must take eyes off the road to use it. Studies show that drivers can spend an average of 40 seconds looking at a screen just to perform basic tasks – at 25 mph that’s nearly five football fields traveled without eyes on the road.
That level of distraction is dangerous for any driver, let alone a police officer responding to an incident. In fact, safety experts have pushed back on touchscreen overload; starting in 2026, European regulators will require physical buttons for at least five essential controls (like wipers, lights, horn, etc.) to curb distraction. The lesson? Use touchscreens wisely. They’re great for complex data (like a computer terminal or GPS), but critical functions (lights, siren, radio push-to-talk) still need dedicated, easy-to-find controls. And if you do include a touchscreen, put it where it’s visible in all lighting and reachable without acrobatics – not low on the console by the passenger’s feet, not so high it causes glare, and not smack in the middle of an airbag path.
Poor Layout & Positioning: Another design faux pas is ignoring the ergonomic layout (more on ergonomics later). We’ve seen consoles where cup holders block radio knobs, or a control panel is mounted by the passenger’s knee – far from the driver’s reach. Sometimes agencies cram in new equipment wherever it fits, resulting in a patchwork console with no logical flow. Every piece of equipment – be it a light switch, siren control, radio head, or MDT (mobile data terminal) – needs to be placed with the officer’s workflow in mind. If an officer has to take their hand off the wheel and stretch or twist awkwardly to toggle a siren or hit the air horn, that’s a design mistake. Unfortunately, “chaotic mess” consoles have been the norm in many patrol cars, with cables snaking everywhere and devices mounted at random. The good news is modern integrated designs are solving this (as we’ll discuss in our shoutouts section).
Overemphasis on Aesthetics: Flashy looks can also lead designers astray. A sleek, minimalist console that looks high-tech is cool – until you realize the glossy finish causes blinding reflections, or that the pretty touchscreen has tiny icons too small to tap during a chase. Design isn’t just about impressing the brass at the vehicle expo. A console might resemble a fighter jet cockpit, but if an officer can’t operate it eyes-up and instinctively, it’s a fail. Looks should never trump functionality in a police vehicle. Unfortunately, we sometimes see departments opt for the latest cool-looking gadget without considering day-to-day usability (cue the collective groan of veteran officers everywhere).
Ergonomic Considerations for Real-World Duty
Spend a shift in an officer’s shoes (or driver’s seat) and you’ll quickly appreciate why ergonomics is critical. Police officers often live out of their vehicles for hours on end – writing reports, responding to calls, monitoring screens – all while wearing heavy vests and duty belts. A console design that ignores human comfort and movement will literally be a pain in the neck (or back, or wrist).
Easy Reach, Less Strain: A well-designed console keeps frequently used controls within easy reach and line of sight. Officers shouldn’t have to become contortionists to hit the radio or siren. Imagine trying to toggle the siren while in a high-speed pursuit – you need that switch right at your fingertips. Controls positioned at awkward angles or far from the driver’s seat force officers to twist their torso or crane forward, which over a long shift can cause wrist, back and neck strain. Over years, this contributes to fatigue and even long-term injuries. The best console setups position equipment so that screens are at optimal viewing angles and buttons fall naturally under hand, minimizing how much an officer must move or divert attention. As one police equipment maker puts it, “well-thought ergonomics eliminate clutter and put your equipment within easy reach and line of sight.”
Proper Seating Clearance: Ergonomics also means the console works with the human form. Officers come in all shapes and sizes. The console shouldn’t intrude into the driver’s space or inhibit seat adjustment. For instance, a low-profile console can make a huge difference – it leaves more room for the officer to maneuver and even allows quick side-to-side egress when necessary. (If you’ve ever seen an officer scoot over to the passenger side to exit, you’ll know why that matters – a bulky console shouldn’t trap them.) Manufacturers like Havis tout how their low-profile designs improve visibility and ease movement in the cabin, which is a vital safety consideration.
Long-Shift Comfort: Ergonomic design can reduce fatigue. Something as simple as including an armrest at the right height or making space for the officer’s right knee can reduce muscle strain on long patrols. Many modern consoles now incorporate features like built-in cup holders and armrests as standard, acknowledging that officers are human – they need to hydrate and need a place to rest that computer-weary arm. Materials matter too: edges should be smooth and padded where knees or legs might rest. No one wants to repeatedly bump their knee on a sharp metal bracket during a 10-hour shift.
Accommodating Gear: Let’s not forget officers wear gear (duty belt, radio, firearm) that can snag or bump poorly placed console elements. Ergonomic police vehicle design even extends to things like the driver’s seat shape – for example, some seats have cutouts to accommodate an equipment belt. By the same token, consoles should be placed and shaped to allow entry/exit without catching on holsters or cables. Everything should feel like it’s in the right place. As Havis notes, “ergonomics enhances police efficiency and comfort during long shifts, ensuring easy access to necessary tools” – a succinct way to say a comfortable officer is an effective officer.
Designing with Workflow in Mind – Not Just Aesthetics
It’s critical to remember that a police console is a working tool, not a showroom piece. Designing with workflow in mind means we start by understanding how officers actually use their vehicles on duty, then tailor the console to make those tasks easier. It’s the classic principle of form follows function.
Officer Input in Design: One smart approach is to involve the end-users – the officers and fleet technicians – in the design process. The people in the field know what they need at 2 AM during a traffic stop or high-speed chase. In other words, design by listening. We ask: Which controls are used most often? What gets in your way? What could be easier? By gathering that intel, we avoid personal or aesthetic whims and zero in on practical needs. For example, if K9 officers say they frequently hit a certain switch while managing a dog cage release, maybe that switch needs a safety cover or relocation.
Logical Layout = Better Workflow: A function-focused design will lay out the console in a logical sequence that matches the officer’s workflow. Think about the steps an officer takes in various scenarios: initiating a traffic stop (lights, then siren, then perhaps spotlight, then radio), or responding to a call (radio, lights, checking GPS, etc.). Grouping related controls together and in order of use makes operation intuitive. For instance, placing the light bar and siren controls adjacent because they’re often toggled one after the other, and mounting the radio and PA mic close by for quick access. One positive example is the Code 3 Z3 siren controller that groups siren and primary lighting in one zone of the keypad, auxiliary devices in another zone, and traffic warning functions in a third – all in one controller. Such zoned layouts mean the officer’s muscle memory can kick in; they know by feel which part of the console to reach for depending on what they need (no more scanning dozens of random switches).
Avoiding the “Tech for Tech’s Sake”: Designing for workflow also means resisting the urge to add features just because they’re cool. Every screen, switch, or feature in the console should serve a purpose in the officer’s duties. We’ve all seen consumer cars where designers jam in the latest gizmos (only for drivers to complain later). In police vehicles, unnecessary tech can be more than just annoying – it can be a dangerous distraction or a maintenance headache. Aesthetics and flash shouldn’t override the core mission: enabling the officer to do their job effectively and safely. Sure, a slick touch interface or a flashy LED strip might “wow” observers, but if it doesn’t make the officer’s job easier (or worse, if it complicates it), then it doesn’t belong. In short, function first, flash second – a mantra we live by.
Durability and Maintainability: A workflow mindset also accounts for the gritty reality: police gear gets banged around and must be serviced. Designing with maintenance in mind means organizing wiring and components for easy repairs and upgrades. If adding a new radio requires dismantling half the console, that’s poor planning. A smart design might use modular sections or slide-out trays for electronics (some consoles now include fuse blocks or easy-access panels for this reason). Additionally, durable construction (steel frames, supported mounts) is part of functional workflow design – a console that rattles or breaks under daily use is disruptive to workflow, after all. As one upfitter put it, “do it right the first time with quality, or you’ll pay for it later”. Functionality isn’t just day-one usability; it’s also long-term reliability during real police work.
Shoutouts: Console Designs & Brands That Get It Right
Plenty of companies and departments are getting console design right by prioritizing usability, integration, and quality. Here are a few notable examples and innovations worth shouting out:
Troy Products & Havis (Vehicle Consoles): These two are stalwarts in police vehicle consoles, known for rugged, well-thought-out designs. Troy Products offers a range of console setups (and will even custom-build to an agency’s needs) – their units use heavy-gauge steel and often come pre-wired and pre-drilled for easy install, focusing on longevity and fit. They emphasize working with agencies to meet specific operational needs, exemplifying a workflow-driven approach. Havis, on the other hand, has pioneered ergonomic, low-profile consoles like their new VSX Series. The Havis VSX consoles integrate strength (steel frame) with lightweight polycarbonate and have a modular design to organize radios, tablets, keyboards neatly within reach. Havis explicitly notes that keeping devices accessible prevents officers “from having to search for what they need”– exactly the goal.
Both Troy and Havis include practical touches (cup holders, armrests, device mounting plates) so that little conveniences aren’t sacrificed. These brands understand that a console must be comfortable, tough, and tailored to police work, not just a one-size box.
Gamber-Johnson & Jotto Desk: (Okay, we’ll give these a quick nod too!) These companies also produce excellent consoles and mounting systems. Gamber-Johnson has console systems engineered for specific vehicle models, often co-designed with auto manufacturers. They focus on maximizing space and ensuring multiple devices can be mounted securely within easy reach of the driver. Jotto Desk (known for its laptop mounts) also makes consoles that often include clever slide-out or tilt-out sections for radios and equipment. They really think about how equipment can be accessed and serviced, not just installed. When you see a Jotto or Gamber console, you’ll notice the ergonomic tilt of the control faces toward the driver – a small but significant detail so officers don’t have to lean or angle awkwardly.
Code 3’s Integrated Controller: Remember that switch overload issue? Code 3 (a big name in emergency vehicle lighting/sirens) tackled it elegantly with their Z3 Siren and Light Control system. Instead of separate siren and light switches scattered about, the Z3 gives a single compact control head with an intuitive layout. It divides controls into zones for different functions (one area of the panel for primary lights/sirens, another for secondary devices, etc.), with configurable buttons. The upshot is an officer can manage the light show and noise from one unit, with muscle memory quickly guiding their fingers to the right section. No more frantically flipping six different toggles in sequence – one integrated controller handles it. The Z3’s design (available in push-button, rotary, or even hand-held mic style) also has features like adjustable backlighting and programmable functions, showing how smart design can reduce clutter and simplify operation. Code 3 essentially said “let’s combine many controls into one pad,” and it pays off by eliminating rows of separate switches.
Whelen’s CenCom Systems: Whelen Engineering is another big player that “gets it.” Their CenCom Core® control system is a one-box solution that combines a siren amplifier, a lightbar controller, and numerous programmable outputs. The beauty of CenCom is that you have a single, unified control head (often a small keypad or a handheld control) instead of a half-dozen independent controllers. For example, the CenCom Core control head might have 8 push-buttons, a slide switch for lighting modes, and a rotary knob – all in one compact panel. This not only saves space on the console, but it’s fully programmable for each agency’s needs. Departments can set up presets (e.g. “Code 3 pursuit mode” that with one slide switch activates a whole series of lights and siren patterns). Whelen’s approach is about seamless integration and safety-first design, meaning the officer presses fewer buttons to get the desired effect, and there’s less room for error. A cohesive system like CenCom also tends to be more reliable, since all components are designed to work together (and fewer loose wires criss-crossing the console).
SoundOff Signal’s bluePRINT: If we’re talking cutting-edge, SoundOff’s bluePRINT® system deserves a mention. This is an advanced, fully customizable control system that unifies lights, sirens, and even integrates with a vehicle’s sensors and CAN-Bus. BluePRINT is basically the brain of a smart patrol car: it can be programmed so that, for example, when the vehicle is shifted into park, certain lights activate or when the gun rack is unlocked, the system can automatically turn on interior lights, etc. The key is automation and user-focus – it adapts to conditions so the officer doesn’t have to manually flip every switch. The BluePRINT control module functions as a power distribution center and an intelligent controller in one. It’s scalable and highly programmable; as a fully “all-in-one, customizable system for controlling visual and audio communication”, it allows officers to focus on the task at hand while the tech handles the rest. For instance, lights and siren behaviors can change based on vehicle speed or time of day automatically. This reduces cognitive load on the officer. BluePRINT is a bit like having an autopilot for your emergency equipment – of course the officer is still in control, but a lot of the routine actions can be streamlined by the system’s logic. SoundOff’s innovative approach shows how high-tech integration can actually simplify the user experience instead of complicating it.
In short, the industry trend is clear: companies are focusing on integration, ergonomics, and officer-centric design. Whether it’s a robust physical console (Troy, Havis, Gamber) or smart electronic controllers (Code 3, Whelen, SoundOff), the goal is the same – give officers a cockpit they can actually use intuitively, effectively, and safely.
A compact integrated control head (like Code 3’s Z3 Siren & Light controller) groups multiple functions into one unit, reducing the proliferation of separate switches. By combining many controls in a single interface, it cuts down on clutter and helps officers muscle-memory their way to the right button every time. Modern one-box systems from brands like Whelen and SoundOff take a similar approach, streamlining the cockpit so officers can focus on the mission, not the switch panel.
The Blueprint Approach: Function First, Flash Second
At Blueprint, we’ve made “function first, flash second” our guiding principle in console design. All the fancy technology in the world means nothing if an officer can’t operate it smoothly in a critical moment. So, how do we put function over flash?
First, we prioritize intuitive layouts and usability above all. Before any aesthetic bells and whistles, we ensure every button, screen, and knob earns its place on the console. Our design team starts by mapping out common officer workflows (from routine patrol to high-speed pursuits) and then positions equipment to serve those workflows. If that means a slightly less flashy arrangement but one that an officer can use eyes-forward and one-handed, that’s the right choice. For example, we might angle a control panel toward the driver and texture the critical buttons for tactile recognition – little details that help in practice, even if they’re not immediately noticeable to the casual observer.
Second, we embrace smart integration – not to show off, but to simplify. Integration can easily be mistaken for adding “flash,” but our philosophy is to integrate systems only in ways that reduce complexity for the user. If we tie the GPS to the dispatch radio, or the lightbar to the transmission gear, it’s to automate rote tasks (like automatically toggling a light pattern when the vehicle is in park) so the officer has fewer switches to manage manually. We love cool tech as much as anyone, but only when it has a purpose. In other words, we won’t slap in a 15-inch touchscreen just to turn heads; we’ll use it (or more likely a smaller, well-placed display) if it genuinely consolidates and presents information better for the officer. And you can bet we’d still surround it with some physical shortcut buttons for those high-priority functions – because redundancy and tactile control = functional reliability.
In our builds, ergonomics and durability are non-negotiable. You’ll see adjustable mounts, padding where it counts, and heavy-duty construction that can take a beating. Flashy, fragile components that look high-tech but break under real-world conditions have no place in a Blueprint designed console. We favor matte finishes that reduce glare, large, clearly labeled buttons you can operate without looking, and logical groupings of controls – all reflecting the “form follows function” mindset. Sure, we make our consoles look professional and clean (who doesn’t like a neat, organized cockpit?), but we never let style trump substance. If there’s ever a conflict – say, a design element that looks cool but might confuse an officer or a material that’s stylish but not durable – function wins every time.
Finally, feedback and continuous improvement are part of our approach. We actively seek out input from the officers who use our designs daily. That might mean riding along to observe how an officer interacts with the console, or soliciting feedback after a few months of use. This real-world insight is gold. It’s led us to small tweaks that greatly improved functionality, like relocating a USB port for easier reach or adding illumination to a panel that was hard to see on night shift. Function-first means listening first – to the users and to the scenario – then iterating to get it right.
At the end of the day, a police vehicle is a tool for public safety, and its console is the command center. Blueprint’s ethos is that the console should feel like an extension of the officer, not an obstacle. If an officer can operate their equipment instinctively, keep their attention on the situation (not on fighting the controls), and trust that every switch and screen is there for a reason, then we’ve done our job. Flashy gadgets and aesthetic flair will always take a backseat to that mission. After all, in an emergency, no one ever said, “I’m sure glad my console looked cool” – they’re glad it worked flawlessly. And that’s why we insist on function first, flash second in every design.
By addressing common mistakes, focusing on ergonomics and workflow, and learning from the brands that excel in this arena, we can transform “console chaos” into a cockpit that truly empowers officers. A police vehicle’s console doesn’t have to be an intimidating array of switches and screens – with a function-forward approach, it becomes a well-organized partner in the field. In the pursuit of public safety, that design philosophy can make every patrol shift safer, more efficient, and a lot less chaotic for those behind the wheel.
