Why Law Enforcement Needs a Modern Suspect Restraint Transport System
- Dawson Schmidt
- Sep 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Transporting a suspect is often the most overlooked yet one of the most dangerous parts of police work. Once an arrestee is secured in the back of a patrol car, the risks don’t end—they can escalate. Combative suspects may kick, spit, headbutt, or attempt escape. Even compliant suspects are vulnerable to injury in sudden stops or collisions if not properly secured.
For too long, agencies have relied on expensive or ineffective solutions—leaving officers exposed to danger, departments exposed to lawsuits, and suspects exposed to preventable harm. The solution is clear: a modern suspect restraint transport system is not optional—it’s essential.
The Risks of Transport Without a Dedicated Restraint System
Officer Safety
Every transport is a potential flashpoint. A suspect can lunge at an officer when the door opens or cause damage from inside the vehicle. Unsecured suspects turn the patrol car itself into a weapon.
Suspect Safety
Agencies have a duty of care. Unbelted or poorly secured suspects risk serious injury during sudden stops or in “rough rides.” The tragic case of Freddie Gray is a reminder of how transport negligence can lead to paralysis and death—and multimillion-dollar fallout.
Liability and Litigation
In FY 2022, federal agencies reported 120 arrest-related deaths and 483 deaths in custody (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2022). Lawsuits tied to transport injuries or deaths regularly result in settlements in the millions—for example, the Randy Cox case in New Haven carried a $100M claim after a transport-related paralysis. Over $2.3 billion has been paid nationally in police misconduct settlements, a portion tied directly to custody and transport incidents (Police Funding Database).
Escapes and Injuries During Transport
In New York City (2002–2007), prisoner transports averaged 309 escapes per year. About 12% of escapees were injured, and 3% died in incidents tied to transport (Corrections1). Without proper transport restraints, the risks—and costs—stack up quickly.
The Limits of Alternative Law Enforcement Restraint Systems
Caged Vehicles
Cost $5,000–$10,000+ per unit, plus installation downtime.
Permanently modifies vehicles, reducing fleet flexibility.
Reduces interior space, limiting passenger/community policing functions.
WRAP Systems
Kits often cost $1,000–$2,000 each.
Requires multiple officers and time to deploy.
Bulky, difficult to store, and not practical for routine patrol transport.
One Oregon county recently considered a purchase of WRAP systems at a cost of $30,355.20 (Elkhorn Media Group).
Both alternatives work, but they are either too costly, too complex, or too limited for everyday patrol operations.
The Valkyrie Link Advantage
The Valkyrie Link by Heimdall Equipment changes the game in Law Enforcement Restraint Systems.
Cost-Effective
At no more than $200 per unit, the Valkyrie Link costs a fraction of cages or WRAP systems. That means for the price of one cage installation, a department could equip 25–50 vehicles with Valkyrie Links.
No Vehicle Modifications
The Valkyrie Link uses existing seatbelt and latch anchor points. No drilling, welding, or cages required. Patrol cars remain multi-use, and resale value is preserved.
Ease of Use
Designed by an active-duty officer, Valkyrie Link can be deployed quickly by one officer with minimal training. It reduces manpower requirements and ensures safety even during routine arrests.
Versatility
From compliant arrestees to combative suspects, Valkyrie Link adapts. Add-ons like the Berserker Strap provide even more control when needed, without extra complexity.
Real Costs vs. Modeled Savings
Consider a modeled mid-sized city (100 patrol vehicles):
Option | 5-Year Cost (purchase + maintenance + liabilities) | Notes |
Cages | ~$1.5M | $750,000 upfront + $250,000 maintenance + ~$500,000 in liability. |
WRAP Kits | ~$580,000 | $180,000 upfront + $100,000 maintenance + ~$300,000 liabilities. |
Valkyrie Link | ~$240,000 | $20,000 upfront (100 × $200) + $20,000 maintenance + ~$200,000 liabilities. |
Result: Valkyrie Link delivers the lowest cost, lowest risk, and highest flexibility—saving potentially over $1.2 million compared to cages and over $300,000 compared to WRAP systems over just five years.
Why Heimdall Equipment?
Heimdall Equipment is not just another vendor. It is a company built by a working police officer who knows the dangers of transport firsthand. Every product is forged with the mission: “The Shield Between Order and Chaos.”
American-made durability.
Designed by officers, for officers.
Tested and refined in real patrol conditions.
Committed to officer safety and suspect care.
Conclusion
The research is clear:
Hundreds of deaths and injuries occur every year in custody and transport.
Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent on lawsuits and settlements.
Existing alternatives are either too costly or impractical for daily patrol use.
The Valkyrie Link by Heimdall Equipment offers the affordable, practical, and effective solution. At no more than $200 per unit, it requires no modifications, is easy to use, and delivers massive savings alongside life-saving protection.
Heimdall Equipment: The Shield Between Order and Chaos.
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