(Newswire.net — October 22, 2014) Bradenton, FL —
Stop Rubbernecking CC, LLC (www.srn1000.com), the company that created a portable barrier system for concealing accidents, is furthering its mission to end rubbernecking nationally, with over 400 units sold in 20 states.
The idea came to Carl Cannova, the former president and CEO of Palmetto-based western Florida division of Sysco Food Services, the world’s largest food services company, two years ago while sitting in bumper-to-bumper highway traffic from “rubberneckers” looking at an accident.
“I was tired of golfing and wanted to take my frustration with rubbernecking and turn it into something positive” said Cannova. “I thought I could make a difference by making a product that could help.”
Cannova invested $250,000 into his first invention, which debuted in early 2013, and spent two years developing a prototype, working with Sarasota, Fla. design firm Robrady and consulting with local law enforcement.
The result was the SRN1000 — an abbreviation for “Stop Rubbernecking”. The barrier system has convertible, heavy-duty nylon screens and steel tripods that can be assembled in less than five minutes by just one person. The portable barricade and screening system shields accident and crime scenes.
“Many officers I’ve spoken with are grateful to have this system, which replaces their current methods of holding up finicky aluminum poles, tarps and sometimes even sheets, which require people to stand guard,” said Cannova. “That’s a waste of manpower, which could be used helping the accident or crime victims and cleanup. That’s why I wanted to create this system.”
The family-run and -operated Florida business proudly serves law enforcement, first responders and government agencies. The SRN1000 has been used for emergency management, crime scene investigation, military operations, disaster relief and traffic and crowd control.
The easy-to-use and durable barricade system provides privacy, safety and security by quickly blocking and barricading accident scenes, restricted zones and hazardous areas from public view. Weighing in at only about 50 pounds, the SRN1000 product fits into a wheeled carrying case about the size of a typical golf bag. The system uses a series of reflective lights and magnets to create a barrier that is 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
Once the system is deployed, it is self maintained with the assistance of 45 pounds of grounded weights – 15 pounds per tripod. Extensions can be added to make the barrier longer, and weight bags help hold the system down in winds up to 30 mph. Retailing for $2,299, the barrier is used primarily by law enforcement, although systems have been purchased by medical examiners, investigators, hospitals, airports and even hotel managers. The screens can even be customized to include the logo of law enforcement organizations or other companies.
“This is a superior product to protect crime scenes,” said Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube. “The system is durable, easy to travel with and set up and it is a crucial tool to provide privacy for victims and officers at several types of traumatic events,” said Steube.
Responding to customer requests, wheels are now available, which allow the system to shift 12 feet to another area with ease. The company’s research and development team is also in the final stages of developing a roof cover, which can simply be added to the top of the SRN1000 to conceal from above.
The screening system has become a success more quickly than Cannova anticipated. A year into production, he has sold systems to over 20 Florida law enforcement agencies, as well as agencies in Maine, Texas, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Virginia.
Coroners and first responders have purchased the screens to protect the identities of victims and provide privacy to families who don’t want to see photos showing up on social media. Cannova has had calls from Las Vegas casinos and amusement parks, which want the screens for security. Recently, the Manatee Sheriff’s Office used the SRN1000 at a public hearing to protect a witness’s identity.
Phillip, Cannova’s son, is the vice president of the company and Carl’s wife, Tommie, is the CEO. All of the SRN1000’s parts are made in America and are assembled at a shop in Bradenton, Fla.
For more information, visit www.srn1000.com or view the SRN1000 in action on USA Today and Forensic News Daily.
About Stop Rubbernecking CC, LLC
The company was founded in Bradenton, Fla. Carl Cannova designed the SRN1000 with help from Robrady a design company in Sarasota, Fla. Cannova and his wife, Stop Rubbernecking CC CEO Tommie Cannova, have worked along with their son Phillip, vice president of sales, to reach new customers and find other departments that can benefit from the use of the portable barrier systems. For more information about the company and the SRN1000, visit www.srn1000.com or the company’s Facebook page.