Setina vs. Westin: Two Industry Leaders

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Two Different Approaches to Police Vehicle Upfitting

Signal Business Group publishes Police Fleet Professional (PFP) magazine and operates the annual Police Fleet Expo (PFE), serving law enforcement fleet managers, supervisors, and upfitters across North America. This year’s Police Fleet Expo was in Orlando, Florida. Once again showcased the latest innovations in law enforcement vehicle equipment, with two of the busiest booths belonging to Setina Manufacturing and Westin Public Safety.

Both companies offer complete vehicle upfitting solutions, including push bumpers, partitions, consoles, transport seating, storage systems, and accessories. While they compete in many of the same product categories, each company has developed a distinct philosophy that appeals to different fleet managers and agencies.

Setina Manufacturing enters the market with one significant advantage – history.

·         The company has been producing law enforcement equipment for decades and is credited with developing the original police vehicle partition, first patented in the early 1960s. That heritage has helped Setina become one of the most recognized names in fleet upfitting, with many agencies viewing the company as the industry benchmark. Today, Setina continues to emphasize complete vehicle integration, designing its products to work together as a total fleet solution while maintaining compatibility with today’s patrol cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, K-9 units, and now the new Command Console! Setina is still the only company manufacturing PIT Training Bumpers. These bumpers are durable and affordable.

·         One of Setina’s greatest strengths is the breadth of its product line. Everything from heavy-duty push bumpers and prisoner transport systems to cargo management, electronic seatbelt systems, firearm mounts, and K-9 transport equipment is engineered with a common design philosophy.

·         This integrated approach simplifies installation, reduces compatibility concerns, and allows agencies to standardize equipment across an entire fleet. Fleet managers responsible for hundreds of vehicles often appreciate that consistency because it reduces installation time and simplifies future maintenance.

·         Westin Public Safety, although newer to the law enforcement market, has built an impressive reputation by applying decades of automotive accessory manufacturing experience to public safety vehicles. Since launching its dedicated public safety division in 2013, Westin has focused heavily on ergonomics, officer comfort, and modern vehicle-specific engineering. Their consoles, partitions, and push bumpers feature thoughtful designs intended to maximize interior space while accommodating today’s growing amount of in-car electronics.

·         One area where Westin stands out is console design. Low-profile consoles provide additional legroom and allow officers wearing duty belts greater comfort during long shifts. Equipment mounting rails offer flexibility for changing radio, computer, and lighting configurations without replacing the entire console. Departments that frequently update electronics may find this modular approach particularly attractive.

·         From a durability standpoint, both manufacturers build products capable of surviving the demanding environment of police service. Heavy-gauge steel construction, powder-coated finishes, and vehicle-specific engineering are common characteristics of both brands. Neither company compromises on officer safety, and both design products that work within modern vehicle airbag systems while meeting the structural requirements law enforcement agencies expect.

·         Another interesting observation from Police Fleet Expo is that both manufacturers continue expanding their offerings as patrol vehicles evolve. Whether agencies are purchasing Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, Chevrolet Tahoes, Dodge Durangos, or exploring electric police vehicles, Setina and Westin are introducing products engineered specifically for the newest platforms. This rapid product development has become increasingly important as manufacturers continue redesigning pursuit-rated vehicles.

·         Perhaps the biggest difference comes down to purchasing philosophy. Agencies seeking proven designs with decades of field history often gravitate toward Setina.

·         Its long-standing reputation, extensive dealer network, and comprehensive product ecosystem make it an easy choice for departments wanting uniformity across large fleets.

·         Westin, meanwhile, has become increasingly popular among agencies looking for modern ergonomics, flexible equipment mounting, and innovative vehicle-specific solutions. Fleet managers often comment that Westin products provide excellent value while still delivering the durability expected in daily patrol service. Although newer to the public safety market than Setina, Westin has quickly established itself as a serious competitor.

Ultimately, there is no clear “winner.” Both manufacturers produce high-quality equipment trusted by agencies across North America, and both appeared prominently at this year’s Police Fleet Expo, reflecting their continued influence within the law enforcement fleet industry.

For fleet managers, the decision often comes down to departmental priorities. If long-term standardization, a legacy of innovation, and complete fleet integration are at the top of the list, Setina remains difficult to beat.

If modern ergonomics, flexible modular equipment, and innovative interior layouts are higher priorities, Westin Public Safety deserves serious consideration. Fortunately, today’s law enforcement agencies benefit from healthy competition between these two industry leaders, resulting in better products, continued innovation, and safer, more efficient patrol vehicles for officers nationwide.