New night vision gear coming for sheriff deputies

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed the possible acquisition of night vision binocular systems during its agenda-setting meeting on Tuesday, March 12.

The first resolution under consideration involves procuring up to 14 night vision binocular systems and basic accessory kits, commonly known as night vision goggles, for the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.

This proposal carries a price tag of $162,480.

The board is asked to authorize the Director of Emergency Services to oversee the purchase process and approve any amendments within the prescribed limit.

The second resolution on the docket proposes the purchase of up to seven night vision binocular systems and basic accessory kits for the Aberdeen Police Department's SWAT team worth $72,000.  Funds for these would come from a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, not local taxpayers, according to Thurston County's Director of Emergency Services, Ben Miller-Todd.

Miller-Todd told The JOLT that Thurston County's BOCC is involved in making the purchase because "Thurston County is designated as the lead administrative agency" for Homeland Security Region 3 in Washington. The region includes Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties. 

The resolution also seeks authorization from the BOCC to execute the purchase and any subsequent amendments, provided they are within a 10% threshold.

Interim County Manager Robin Campbell said the Federal Homeland Security grant will be used to fund the acquisitions once they are approved.

During the resolution discussion, Commissioner Emily Clouse raised questions regarding the lifespan of the equipment and the frequency of replacements.

In response, a representative from the Sheriff’s Office said they previously obtained 12 Night Vision Binocular Systems through a Homeland Security Grant approximately two years ago.

Before that, they relied on PVS 14, a version of night vision technology acquired from Defense Reutilization and Marketing Offices, which had served them for nearly two decades.

The current proposal aims to supplement the existing inventory and potentially replace older equipment. The newly proposed systems could be estimated to remain operational for at least 15 to 20 years.