Staff recommends City Council approve and accept the FY 2023 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $345,000 to purchase night vision systems.

The national standard and best practice for tactical teams that are similar to the size of the Billings Police S.W.A.T. team, is to be fully capable in daytime and low or no light conditions. Currently, neither the Billings Police S.W.A.T. team nor the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team, are fully capable in low or no light conditions. The State of Montana Homeland Security Grant Program has offered the Billings Police Department a grant in the amount of $345,000 to outfit both teams with night vision systems. The grant funding will cover the cost of onsite training, and thirty (30) night vision systems to be divided among both teams. The night vision system consists of (1) Night Vision Binocular Device, (1) Helmet Mount, (1) Counterweight System, (1) Night Vision Elastic Retention Mount, and (1) Multi-Function Marker Infrared Light. One complete night vision system will be issued to each tactical officer on both teams. 

City Council may:

• Approve the Federal FY23 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $345,000; or,
• Not Approve the Federal FY23 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grants in the amount of $345,000 and provide further direction to staff;   

There is no financial impact to the City as there is no City match required for this grant.