Smithfield, UT -- July 6, 2007 -- Chief Johnny McCoy of the Smithfield City Police Department in Utah has added Night Vision to the city's police force. With the purchase of Night Vision from Massachusetts-based N-Vision Optics, the Smithfield Police now have increased their ability to prevent crime before it happens.
"When I was selected to be chief of police, I wanted to ensure that our police officers and our citizens benefited from the latest technologies that help prevent crime and increase safety and police effectiveness," said Police Chief Johnny McCoy. "Using a Gen 3 night vision monocular instead of the traditional flashlight is the difference between day and night."
In recent years, Smithfield City has seen an increase in vandalism. Obviously, all vandalism is bad, but Police Chief McCoy notes that the town is particularly concerned about protecting one of the area's premiere attractions, the Birch Creek Golf Course. (http://smithfield.infobytes.us/golf.main.html ).
By using the latest night vision technology from N-Vision Optics, Smithfield police can spot vandals hiding in the shadows and the bushes without casting additional shadows to an already dark landscape or giving away their own location.
Chief Johnny W. McCoy has served as the chief of police since he was first hired by the Smithfield City Council in August of 2000 to form the Smithfield City Police Department.
Before coming to Smithfield McCoy worked for the Uinta County Sheriff's Department for eleven years, served as an instructor at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy for four years, and worked for the Evanston Police Department for four years. Prior to accepting his position as Smithfield City Police Chief, he served as a member of the Evanston City Council. Chief McCoy has been instrumental in formulating the policies and high standards of the Smithfield City Police Department.
McCoy says he first heard about the tremendous advantages of night vision from his peers in the law enforcement industry. Since then, he studied the leading law enforcement educational magazines and publications to find out more about this powerful new technology that helps prevent crime and alleviate accidental tragedies for civilians as well as police.
"In the attempt to see in the dark, flashlights actually create additional shadows, as well as shouting out a police officer's location, thereby giving vandals and potential criminals the upper hand," McCoy said. "Night Vision works very well. It cuts down on vandalism and enables our officers to do building and alley checks safely and effectively. I'm really impressed!"
