Commissioners ratify SWAT night-vision goggles MOU; rental ongoing, purchase cost estimated

The county commission ratified an existing memorandum of understanding for night-vision goggles used by the sheriff’s SWAT team.

Sheriff Jim told commissioners the MOU has been in place since approximately 2021 and that the goggles are rented for tactical operations. "This is an item that's utilized by the SWAT team," he said. Sheriff Jim and Lieutenant Travis Shively said the county currently rents the equipment because the goggles are expensive to purchase; the sheriff estimated purchase prices at roughly $3,200 to $3,600 per unit and said the department is working toward owning some units in the future.

Commissioners asked whether the county’s drones have night-vision capability; staff answered the new drones have some night-vision and thermal capability but were not certain of full sensor specifications. The MOU ratification was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

The action ratifies the ongoing arrangement and keeps rental authority in place while the department explores buying a limited number of units.