Technology Acquisition Assistance: Night Vision Goggles

• NCJ Number: 211829
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 1 page
• Grant Number(s): 96-MU-MU-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

This article describes a cost-saving loan-lease program whereby law enforcement agencies can acquire costly night vision devices (NVDs).

Abstract

NVDs improve officer vision and safety as they search for hidden suspects in darkness. A quality NVD costs between $2,000 and $5,000; repairs can range from $500 to $2,000. A less expensive NVD diminishes performance and may require sending it out of the country for repairs. An alternative is to participate in a loan-lease program that provides quality NVDs at an annual cost of $300 per unit. This program is sponsored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN. Called the Night Vision Systems Law Enforcement Support Program, it provides high-quality NVDs (model AN/PVS-5), refurbished to military standards, to both large and small law enforcement agencies. If a unit needs repairing at any time, a replacement is sent at no additional cost. As new versions of the goggles become available, older models are replaced at no additional cost. For agencies that own their own goggles, the program offers repairs at actual cost. Future plans include similar programs for light-intensifying handheld night vision scopes and pocket scopes.