NIGHT VISION

[TIGGY]

I AM EMPLOYED BY AN S.O. THAT IS APPROX 400 SWORN. APRROX 200 OF US ARE ASSIGNED TO PATROL IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY....WE ARE SPLIT INTO 5 GEOGRAPHICAL PATROL DISTRICTS....CURRENTLY WE HAVE ONE MINOCULAR NIGHT VISION SCOPE ASSIGNED TO 4 OF THE 5 DISTRICTS. WE APPROX HAVE 5 SERGEANTS AND 30 PATROL DEPUTIES IN SERVICE AT NIGHT NOT TO INCLUDE SPECIALIZED UNITS.
WE HAVE LEARNED THAT NIGHT VISION IS VERY ADVANTAGEOUS IN OUR NIGHT TIME PATROL EFFORTS.
IN OUR DEPT WE HAVE A SGT'S ADVISORY COMITTEE REF EQUIPMENT REQUESTS.....SINCE NIGHT VISION IS QUITE EXPENSIVE MOST DEPTS I AM FAMILIAR WITH CAN NOT PROVIDE ALL OFFICERS WITH NIGHT VISION.....
I AM INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF ANY MANUFACTURES OFFER DISCOUNTED RATES FOR MASS PURCHASES OF THEIR EQUIPMENT. ALSO IF THEIR ARE ANY KNOWN GRANTS FOR SUCH PURCAHSES....ANY OTHER INFO IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

[tcsd1236]

Have you considered looking into gov't surplus night vision ? It may not be the newest stuff on the market, but even 2nd gen stuff will help you out.

[Sparky]

I know this may be an important issue for you, but WHY ARE YOU YELLING??

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-Sparky

[FLLawdog]

Hey, Tiggy, how ya doin'? Thanks for the question and welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll get the answers you want as well as some that weren't expected. You just won't find any prime rib around here, though http://www.officer.com/ubb/wink.gif.

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FLLawdog
"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

[TIGGY]

hey fllawpooch, thanks for informing me about this site......aw shucks....no beef!

[Dave T]

Tiggy,

As TCSD has suggested the federal govt is a great place to start. If the department wished to invest the time into the paperwork they can easily get this equipment for free (or next to free) by using the federal 1033 program. This program permits the military to donate equipment (everything from vehicles to weapons) for use in fighting crime (specifically drugs).

I don't know which state you are in but there are many 1033 offices located at the various military bases throughout the US. If you provide the info. I am sure there are individuals on this site that can provide detailed information regarding the program.

Stay Safe

Dave

Checked your profile - Fla.

this link will allow you to search all available items and locations.

Dave
http://www.drms.dla.mil/rtda/RTD_Info/The_Donation_Program/Veterans/Indian_Reservations/Law_Enfocement/law_enfocement.html

[This message has been edited by Dave T (edited 10-15-2000).]

[FLLawdog]

Hey, Tiggy....what do you need night vision for, anyway? Turtle Patrol? http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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FLLawdog
"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

[DED1645]

Night vision is ok, but I'm sure you know they only illuminate. TIC's(Thermal imaging camera) is the ultimate. They do have other uses then firefighter puposes. Not only was the suspect apprehended, but when the night vision failed the TIC picked up the perp hidding behind a group of bushes. The thermal image stood out threw the bushes. And the best part was the officers wearing vests stood out for the image had a reduced heat pattern from their vests. And better yet the couple that had trauma plates stood out even better. Yes they are expensive, but you really don't need to issue for every officer. Just so the shift supervisor or the high ranking officer should have one. Check into them. Good luck.

[Kaos]

Thermal Imaging is by far better than night vision. I have used both, a GEN3 monocular and a thermal imager. Some examples of useing the thermal imager, hidden suspects light up, checked park cars and find the hottest tires of a vehicle just parked, locate narcotics in hidden compartments in large trucks. There are many more examples. Also the night vision hurts your eyes if you accidently look at a light source. You can use the thermal imager 24hrs a day. It is much more expensive but much more useful. I got to play with a handheld version for a couple of moths, really liked it a lot. I am trying to get our department to get a PalmIR 250 (http://www.raytheoninfrared.com/html/prod2b/summary.htm). Check out the image gallery there. Last time I checked it was about $13,000
Good luck