Title
Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund Funding for Thermal Imager for GPD Helicopter (B)
Explanation
GPD participates in the Joint Aviation Unit with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and has operated a military surplus helicopter for the past twelve (12) years. When GPD's first helicopter was obtained, an Inframetrics Mark-I Thermal Imager was purchased in order to locate criminal suspects and missing persons by use of body heat. The Inframetrics Mark-I is 15 years old and is no longer functional, and replacement parts are no longer being manufactured to keep it in service. In GPD's fight against in-progress violent crime and property crime, the Thermal Imager is a necessary tool for the Joint Aviation Unit, especially during night operations.
The purchase price for a FLIR Systems Ultra 8000 with Laser Pointer, Meeker Isolation Collar and installation costs is $201,250. Features of the Ultra 8000 include high resolution digital infrared imaging, daytime color camera, 10:1 continuous zoom, rugged controller, small size, and less weight. The Ultra 8000 also has an infrared laser, which allows the pilot and flight officer to see where the infrared imager is pointed on the ground at night through their helmet-worn night vision goggles. This feature greatly improves their ability to locate criminal suspects and missing persons and coordinate aviation response with ground officers. The Meeker Isolation Collar dramatically increases image quality by reducing airframe vibration transferred to the Thermal Imager and is required by FLIR for installation. Installation costs are being allotted to purchase any additional wiring or metalwork that may be needed to install the FLIR and monitor (monitor is being purchased separately).
Vendor Source Selection: FLIR Systems, Inc., manufactures Thermal Imagers for law enforcement, the military, and civilian users. The Thermal Imager on the Alachua County Sheriff's Office helicopters a...
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