The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its May 7 regular meeting to purchase an armored multi-use vehicle, 30 ultra-light helmets equipped with technology and 10 sets of night vision goggles for the Henry County Police Department.
The BearCat vehicle will be used for high-risk calls like an active shooter or barricaded gunman, and the helmets have push-to-talk capabilities that allow SWAT officers to speak to one another and not be heard by suspects or the public. The total cost for all of this equipment is $383,174 and will be allocated from fund balance.
Officials cited an April 4 hostage situation in Stockbridge for which they were not properly prepared and had to rely on neighboring jurisdictions for some equipment.
