Case Study: Domestic Disturbance MAINTAINING CONTROL IN THE DARK - The Role of Night Vision

How night vision technology can make the critical difference in bringing delicate and dangerous situations to a safe and successful conclusion.

THE CHALLENGE: To bring a domestic disturbance to a peaceful resolution
without endangering law enforcement officers or subjects involved in the situation.

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) of the LaCrosse County Sheriff’s Department in LaCrosse, Wis., has experience dealing with difficult situations. Responding to repeated domestic disturbance calls from one residence in the county posed multiple challenges to the ERT. First, the rural residence was secluded, located approximately 75 yards from the main road on private property. Additionally, the road leading to the house was gravel, requiring
that the team approach on foot through a heavily wooded area. One of the subjects involved in the disturbance was potentially suicidal and his whereabouts unknown. The ERT’s response to the second call had an added risk: the unstable, potentially suicidal subject knew that officers were coming. The ERT had to overcome these obstacles to apprehend the subjects involved and settle the disturbance as quickly and uneventfully as possible.

THE SOLUTION: Utilize all available resources, including night vision equipment, to conduct surveillance and formulate a safe plan to approach the residence.

In responding to the first call, the ERT tried several times to contact the occupants of the residence by telephone. After several unsuccessful attempts, the team moved into position on the property using a night vision monocular and goggles. The officers then established an inner perimeter to maintain surveillance of the house and any nearby activity. Their vigilance
paid off less than an hour later, when the suspect was spotted walking through a field towards the house. The darkness worked to the ERT’s advantage; officers surprised the subject and took him into custody without incident. With the night vision equipment, the officers were able to remain hidden and keep their presence on the property concealed until the moment of apprehension. The officers were even more grateful for their careful surveillance and quiet approach when they discovered that the subject had had a firearm in the woods, but had left it behind as he did not hear or see anything on the property to concern him.
The second time that the ERT responded to a call at this residence, the officers had the benefit of knowing the property but faced an additional challenge: the suspect knew that they were coming. He dressed in camouflage, armed himself with a 30.06 rifle and took up position about 75 yards from the road. The team approached the residence slowly and cautiously on the gravel road, using night vision equipment to scan the wooded areas for a sign of the suspect. When the team was a short distance from the house, one of the officers observed the suspect walking towards them. Tired of his vigil, the suspect was bored and
returning home. Thanks again to the element of surprise, officers took the suspect into custody without incident.

THE RESULT: The safe resolution of two volatile domestic situations.

The use of careful planning and night vision equipment allowed the LaCrosse County Sheriff’s Department’s ERT to take the suspect into custody twice within six months. Both apprehensions were conducted without injury or loss of life, despite the involvement of an armed, unstable individual and the dark conditions of the rural, wooded property.Furthermore, the ERT’s experiences enabled them to establish several alternate plans for approaching this residence in future situations.

THE ONGOING COMMITMENT: Continuous Improvement and Customer
Responsiveness

Criminals (and, specifically, terrorists) are fiercely dedicated to exploiting security weaknesses, and they stay smart by studying and evolving. ITT, in turn, will match this dedication with a proactive approach, actively anticipating and developing technologies to meet needs before they arise.
The security challenges of today’s world are numerous, but ITT will remain steadfast in its commitment to adapting night vision technology to the changing environment. ITT will continue to strengthen its partnerships with law enforcement and the military, offering the latest night vision technologies as critical tools in protecting the nation and those who protect her.

About ITT Night Vision
ITT Night Vision is the world’s leading developer, producer and supplier of Generation 3 image intensifier technology for military and all levels of law enforcement. ITT Night Vision gives you an edge by letting you identify threats, gather evidence and make critical decisions without being seen. ITT invites law enforcement officers to contact their Grant Consultant, Margaret Stark, at 540/994-0790 or by email at mstark@ittgrantinfo.com. Margaret encourages any department that is considering grants for night vision equipment to contact her for ideas and assistance. She is available to discuss particular areas of concern and to help customize a grant writing.