Course Description
Modern law enforcement and tactical operations increasingly require personnel to operate effectively in low-light and no-light environments. Night vision devices (NVDs) provide a significant operational advantage, but improper employment introduces elevated safety risks, policy violations, and liability exposure. Effective use of night vision equipment therefore requires structured training grounded in legal considerations, equipment management, and disciplined operational procedures.
The 5-day SureFire Night Vision for Law Enforcement Course is designed to provide law enforcement and tactical personnel with the legal knowledge, technical proficiency, and practical skills required to safely and effectively operate night vision devices in operational and training environments. The course emphasizes lawful employment, policy compliance, equipment integration, and team coordination through progressive, scenario-based instruction.
Instruction addresses the criminal and civil legal considerations governing night vision use and training, including use-of-force implications, liability concerns, and training documentation standards. Students receive comprehensive education on night vision technology fundamentals, equipment selection, maintenance, system limitations, environmental effects, and the integration of supplemental equipment such as IR illuminators, lasers, and helmet-mounting systems.
Training progresses from individual equipment setup and movement to coordinated team operations under night vision. Emphasis is placed on light discipline, signature management, communication, spatial awareness, and safe movement techniques in reduced-visibility environments. As the course advances, students apply night vision techniques to open-area operations, structure clearing, and confined spaces, including managing photonic barriers and safely transitioning between night vision and white light. Tactical medical considerations are integrated throughout to reinforce real-world operational demands.
Subjects Covered
- Legal and policy considerations governing night vision operations and training
- Criminal and civil liability considerations related to NVD deployment
- Fundamentals of night vision technology, capabilities, and limitations
- Selection, setup, mounting, focusing, and alignment of night vision devices
- Integration of IR illuminators, lasers, and helmet-mounted systems
- Individual movement techniques under night vision
- Team movement, communication, and coordination in low-light and no-light environments
- Light discipline, signature management, and environmental considerations
- Managing photonic barriers and transitional lighting conditions
- Safe transitions between night vision devices and white light
- Application of night vision techniques to structure clearing
- Tactical medical considerations in reduced-visibility environments
- Scenario-based training and performance evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course focused on operators or instructors? -
This course is primarily operator-focused, emphasizing safe and effective employment of night vision equipment in real-world operations. However, the legal, policy, and procedural framework also makes it appropriate for instructors and supervisors responsible for night vision training programs.
Does this course include live-fire training? -
No. Use of lethal force while using night vision is taught via force on force exercises using marking cartridges in realistic scenarios. However, detailed instruction on how to zero laser aiming devices will be provided through lecture and class handouts.
Does this course cover transitions to white light? -
Yes. Students are taught safe and effective transitions between night vision devices and white light, including considerations for photonic barriers, confined spaces, and operational decision-making.
Does this course cover tactical medicine under night vision? -
Yes. Tactical medical considerations are integrated throughout the course to reinforce real-world operational demands in reduced-visibility environments.
Is this course intended to teach advanced tactics? -
The focus of the course is safe, lawful, and effective employment of night vision equipment. Tactical concepts are addressed to the extent necessary to support operational use and responsible training, not to conduct high-risk operations outside agency policy.
Required Equipment
- Bump or ballistic helmet with night vision mount (skull crusher or night cap acceptable)
- Quality head-mounted night vision device
- IR Beacon or marker
- Rifle with sling, optic, white light, and IR laser/illuminator (ZERO’d prior to arrival)
- Rifle Sims or FOF kit
- Minimum of three (3) rifle magazines
- Simunitions Pistol of FOF Kit
- Three (3) Pistol magazines
- Hand-held white light
- Ear protection
- Clear eye protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Five (5) visible chem sticks of each color Red/Blue/Green/ IR
- Batteries for all electronic devices
- FoF/Simunition face mask or equivalent
Additional Recommended Equipment
- Department Uniform and assigned tactical gear
- Helmet-mounted IR and visible light
- Headlamp
- Sturdy shoes or boots suitable for austere terrain
- Simunition or FoF Handgun with retention holster, red dot optic, and weapon-mounted white light or IR illuminator/laser
Ammunition Requirements:
- 500 rounds of rifle Simunition or FoF ammunition
- 100 rounds of FoF or Simunition handgun ammunition
Sign Up
If you or your organization would like to sign up for this course, please see our Host Sign Up page for more information.