The east baton rouge sheriffs office proposes to acquire a new digital high definition (HD) forward looking infrared (flir)/camera system for the air support unit's helicopter

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office was awarded a $500,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Congressionally Recommended Awards (CFDA 16.753) program. The grant will fund the acquisition and implementation of a new digital high-definition Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)/camera system for the agency's air support unit helicopter. The purpose is to replace the existing outdated analog FLIR/camera system to improve the quality of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigations, and other law enforcement activities. Project activities include researching, selecting, purchasing, installing, testing, and evaluating the new FLIR/camera system, as well as training personnel on its use. The expected outcomes are enhanced aerial capabilities, improved image quality and resolution, and more effective tracking, evidence collection, and officer safety. The grant award period is from September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

The purpose of the proposed project is to replace the outdated analog flir/camera system currently in use, in order to improve the quality of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigation and apprehension and other activities which require the use of this important tool. The project activities to be performed include researching, selecting and purchasing the optimal flir/camera system for the helicopter, installation of the system, testing and evaluation of the system in order to ensure that IT meets all operational requirements and provide the desired results, and training of personnel on the use of the new system. The expected outcomes, deliverables, or milestones of the proposed project are the implementation of the new flir/camera system and the improved quality of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigation and apprehension and other activities which require the use of this important tool. The service area for this project is the city of baton rouge/parish of east baton rouge and the surrounding eight parishes that encompass the baton rouge metropolitan area, and the intended beneficiary(IES) are the aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigations and apprehensions and other activities which require the use of this important tool. The proposed project is expected to provide a significant improvement in the quality of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigations and apprehensions and other activities which require the use of this important tool. The new digital high definition flir/camera system will enable better quality images and higher resolution at farther standoff distances in order to facilitate more efficient and effective operations. The new system will also provide a more effective way of tracking suspects and missing persons, as well as providing better resolution for evidence collection and other activities. Additionally, the new system will allow for improved safety for personnel, as the improved resolution will ensure that officers can more easily spot potential dangers and take appropriate action. This award is funded as an administrative funding adjustment of 15PBJA-23-GG-00197-brnd.