Police Department Case Study | Flex-Safe Portable Barricades for First Respondents

The Challenge of Modern Policing

Chief Martinez oversees a city police department responsible for everything from routine traffic stops and DUI checkpoints to public demonstrations, emergency road closures, and large community events.

For years, her team relied on bulky metal barricades, standard traffic cones, and police barricade tape. While these tools had been used for decades, they often caused more problems than they solved.

• Metal barricades were too heavy. Officers needed multiple people and vehicles to move them.
• Plastic traffic cones blew over in high winds or got crushed by vehicles.
• Police barricade tape tore easily and gave the impression of a temporary “quick fix” rather than a secure boundary.

When an emergency struck, every minute mattered. But old equipment slowed her officers down.

Chief Martinez needed better tools to:

1. Control crowds quickly during demonstrations or parades.
2. Secure accident and crime scenes while protecting evidence.
3. Guide traffic safely around construction zones, DUI checkpoints, or crashes.
4. Deploy barriers fast—without waiting for backup or heavy trucks.
5. Maintain professionalism with equipment that gave citizens confidence.

Her officers needed police barricades that were strong, portable, and simple to use.

Why Flex-Safe Was the Right Fit

After testing multiple options, the local police department selected Flex-Safe’s portable barricades and A-frame barricades as their new standard.

Here’s why:

• Lightweight & Portable: One officer can carry and deploy them in under a minute.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand weather, crowds, and repeated use.
• Professional Appearance: More secure and authoritative than cones or tape.
• Adaptability: Effective for events, roadblocks, and emergencies.
• Trusted by First Respondents: Designed with input from state police, sheriff departments, and city police officers.

Before Flex-Safe vs. After Flex-Safe

Before:

• Barricades took 20–30 minutes to unload and set up.
• Traffic cones were knocked over or ignored.
• Police barricade tape looked flimsy and lacked authority.
• Officers were frustrated by wasted time and unsafe gaps in control.

After:

• Officers could deploy barriers in minutes.
• Pedestrians and drivers recognized clear, professional boundaries.
• Community members reported increased feelings of safety.
• The department reduced overtime hours tied to long setups.

Real-World Results

One example came during a downtown parade. In the past, setting up metal barricades required trucks and six officers working overtime. With Flex-Safe, a two-officer team secured the parade route in less than half the time.

Another test was a late-night accident involving hazardous materials. Flex-Safe barriers created a controlled perimeter quickly, keeping bystanders safe and giving first responders space to work.

The difference was clear:

• 40% faster deployment at large events.
• Reduced labor costs and overtime hours.
• Improved officer morale thanks to easier equipment handling.
• Positive feedback from city officials on professional appearance.

Why Police Departments Trust Flex-Safe

Flex-Safe isn’t just for events. It’s now part of everyday police work:

• DUI checkpoints – Clear lanes for testing stations.
• Accident scenes – Protects victims and officers.
• Crime scenes – Creates authority beyond police tape.
• Public demonstrations – Keeps officers and citizens safe.
• Community events – Maintains safety while looking professional.

The task wasn’t just about finding new barriers. Chief Martinez needed a system that gave her officers more control, speed, and trust.

Flex-Safe provided:

• Speed – fast setup and breakdown.
• Strength – barriers that last longer than cones or tape.
• Authority – professional look that citizens respect.
• Efficiency – fewer officers needed for setup.
• Confidence – knowing every incident can be secured quickly.

Why Flex-Safe Is a Trusted Partner

Flex-Safe is trusted nationwide by:

• University police departments managing campus safety.
• Local police departments running checkpoints and festivals.
• City police chiefs planning parades, rallies, and emergencies.
• Sheriff departments managing county-wide incidents.
• State police leading multi-agency responses.

Every product is Made in the USA, tested for real-world conditions, and designed with input from first respondents who use them daily.

This is more than equipment—it’s a commitment to public safety.

Key Benefits for Law Enforcement

• Faster deployment than traditional barricades.
• Lightweight but durable enough for repeated use.
• Professional, authoritative look for public confidence.
• Versatile—works for crime scenes, events, road closures, and more.
• Long-term cost savings from reduced overtime and replacements.

As Chief Martinez summed it up:

“

And she’s not alone. Across the country, university police departments, local police, city police, state police, and members of the sheriff dept are often the first respondents to incidents and accidents. They all share the same goal: keeping communities safe. Flex-Safe helps them do it better.