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Monroe council approves $194,000 purchase of night‑vision goggles and green lasers for police
Summary
The Monroe City Council approved awarding a purchase contract for night‑vision goggles and green visible lasers for the Monroe Police Department, authorizing the city manager to execute documents and a budget amendment. The package covers 13 goggles and 20 lasers and was procured through a cooperative purchasing agreement.
The Monroe City Council voted to award a purchase contract for night‑vision goggles and green visible lasers for the Monroe Police Department and authorized a budget amendment and the city manager to execute necessary documents.
Council approved the purchase after police leaders described a May 31 officer‑involved shooting that officers said highlighted gaps in the department’s low‑light equipment. The equipment package includes 13 binocular night‑vision goggles and 20 green visible laser sighting devices; the presenters estimated a total cost of about $194,000 and said the purchase would be made through Tomahawk via the NJ Cooperative Purchasing Alliance.
Chief Bolling said the department is seeking equipment that will let officers operate in low light without illuminating their position. “We are very fortunate…no officers were hurt,” Chief Bolling said in explaining the department’s request and the need to reduce officers’ exposure during low‑light incidents. Chad Schultes and Barney Malone introduced the item and showed a demonstration video of the goggles’ capabilities.
During discussion, a council member said the purchase was not a matter of cost but of officer safety, and urged support because the equipment would provide a tactical advantage. Council speakers did not give a roll‑call vote on the record; the mayor called for all in favor and the motion passed.
The council’s motion authorized award of the contract to Tomahawk through the NJ Cooperative Purchasing Alliance and authorized a budget amendment to allow the city manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
The city did not provide a detailed line‑item breakdown in the council meeting; presenters gave unit estimates: roughly $11,000 per goggle and a little over $2,000 per laser, which produced the roughly $194,000 total. The council did not attach additional conditions to the award at the time of the vote.
