REPORT RAPPORT

DATE:	15 December 2014
TO/DEST:	Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board
FROM/EXP:	Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service
SUBJECT/OBJET:	PURCHASE OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES AND GOGGLES

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the purchase of 15 units of “NVD-BNVD P+” Night Vision Goggles, Wilcox L4 g24 helmet mounts, and training from Millbrook Tactical at a cost of $196,167.95 (excluding taxes).

BACKGROUND

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Tactical Unit has identified enhanced night vision capabilities as a requirement that needs to be addressed to ensure its operational capacity reflects best practices and interoperability.

This technology and training is an important capability for the OPS Tactical Unit and beneficial for officers to use during low light or no light tactical operations where public and officer safety is at risk.

The ability to use night vision is a proven technology that would benefit the unit’s capabilities, enhance operational effectiveness, increase public and officer safety and allow the unit to be more interoperable with our federal and provincial partners.  

Research has been conducted over the last year to identify a solution and supplier for the required products and training.

DISCUSSION

Requirement

Currently, the Tactical Unit has in its inventory a small number of older, monocular type night vision optics.  The current monocular devices are hand held, and were based on technology available at the time of purchase (10-15 years ago). This equipment limits tactical operations to navigation only and does not allow the officer capabilities to interact with the suspect and other individuals who may be involved in an operation.

The design of the proposed NVD-BNVD P+ Night Vision goggles equips Incident Commanders with the capabilities of continuing operations in low or no light conditions which expedites facilitating the safe recovery of hostages, apprehension and control of a subject and increasing public safety.

Being that the goggles are securely mounted to a wearer’s helmet, officer safety is enhanced as it would allow for the officers hands to be free and use of force options more readily accessible.

The NVD-BNVD P+ Night Vision Goggles better align to meet current best practices and the standards being used by other law enforcement agencies and partners like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

To be fully operational in night /low light operations a Tactical Unit member requires a 5 stage approach which consists of technology and training:

(1) Durable Binocular night vision goggles with clear imaging optics;

(2) An infrared spectrum aiming laser (the goggles prevent rifle sight acquisition);

(3) An infrared spectrum light source;

(4) A quality mount to secure the binocular to the tactical member’s helmet; and

(5) Caliber training to maximize equipment capacity.

Research

Over the last year, the unit has conducted research with the goal of identifying a suitable technology that addresses this five stage approach. The unit researched several different technologies and solutions from a variety of manufacturers and suppliers.

Further discussion was held with training staff at the federal level, equipment subject matter experts and tactical partners at the federal and provincial level. The intent of these discussions was to ensure the solution meets the needs of a municipal police service while also ensuring OPS could operate with the same technology and in the same fashion to ensure interoperability with its partner tactical units in the RCMP and OPP.

Supplier

The result of this research and discussion identified the NVD-BNVD P+ Night Vision Goggles, Wilcox L4 g24 helmet mount, and training as the most suitable and cost effective option. The package will be purchased from Millbrook Tactical of Stittsville.

The NVD-BNVD P+ Night Vision Goggles would allow the Tactical Unit capacity to operate in low or no light conditions. 

Millbrook Tactical is a distributor of Night Vision Depot products in Canada.  Night Vision Depot uses North American made technology that guarantees a better, more reliable and predictable response. In particular, NVD used Exelis light gathering tubes that are highly recommended.  The NVD-BNVD P+ goggle has a photocathode response of 1750 which is ideal for the OPS Tactical Unit’s needs.  This goggle is auto-gated, turns off when carried in the stowed position and is waterproof.  

Millbrook Tactical is the sole distributor of Wilcox products in Canada.  The Wilcox L4 G24 helmet mount is highly recommended by those with experience in the field. This mount ensures a firm, secure interface between the optic and helmet.  

Millbrook Tactical, an Ottawa based company, will be a repair center for night vision products.  As such, non-warranty repairs can be made locally. 

Consistency in training and technology increases inter-operability, ensures operational effectiveness and enhances the safety of members and the community when co-deploying with other police tactical units. 

Research into this proposed acquisition involved representatives from Canadian Special Forces Command, RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU).  The choice of this technology and training was recommended by all three organizations and is considered a best practice.

The OPS is seeking this sole sourced purchase approval with the expected deployment date of the second quarter of 2015.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Funding is available for this request in the Specialized Equipment envelope (Account# 124155-506178) administered by Senior Management Committee (SMC).

Total Approved Budget:                                                                   $500,000.00

Expenditures to Date:                                                          $132,710.00

Balance Available:                                                               $367,290.00

            This Request:                                                            $196,167.95

            Remaining Balance:                                                            $171,122.05

CONCLUSION

Enhanced night vision technology and training has been identified as an important capability for the OPS Tactical Unit and beneficial for officers to use during near-dark tactical operations where public and officer safety is at risk.

The acquisition of the Night Vision Depot goggles and Wilcox mounts meet the requirements of the unit and ensures interoperability with other police partners.

(Original signed by)

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police

Responsible for report: A/Deputy Chief Don Sweet