Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Sheriff’s Office SOD purchases improved communication equipment with Justice Assistance Grant

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office today announced that the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners accepted a Justice Assistance Grant award, project number 19-JAG-37, administered through the Office of Criminal Justice Assistance, in the amount of $29,000 to purchase communication equipment for The Sherriff’s Office Special Operations Division (SOD). 

The grant monies were used to purchase 60 extended life radio batteries, 3 bank battery chargers, and 11 in-ear headsets to enhance communications within the SOD at the Sheriff’s Office.  The Special Operations Division consists of specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office.  Some of these units include the Regional Aviation Unit (RAVEN), the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and the Consolidated Bomb Squad.  Approximately 50 Deputies are assigned to teams or units within SOD.  These teams often assist other agencies in neighboring counties.  Due to the extended response time and lengthy duration of these assignments, the need to have longer duration radio batteries was essential.  With this grant, SOD teams were also able to purchase 11 push to talk in-ear headsets.  These headsets will improve communication within the team and provide hearing protection for the Deputy wearing them.

 “Communications are essential, especially when critical moments are of the essence.  These improved communications capabilities will be pertinent safety equipment for the men and women at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and in turn, the citizens of Washoe County,” Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Captain Phil Jones said. “We are grateful to the Office of Criminal Justice Assistance for awarding the Sheriff’s Office this grant and to the Board of County Commissioners for accepting the funds.”.

The Special Operations Division of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is comprised of multiple task forces and units including Detectives, the Consolidated Bomb Squad, Consolidated Extraditions Unit, K-9 Unit, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center (NNRIC), RAVEN aviation unit, Regional Gang Unit, Search and Rescue, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and the Hostage Negotiation Team.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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