HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem F August_l7, 1999
AGENDA REPORT
To: Mayor Yost and Members of the City Council
Thru: Keith Till, City Manager
From: Michael F. Sellers, Chief of Police
Subject: BODY ARMOR VEST PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
SUMMARY OF REQUEST
The Seal Beach Police Department has applied for a grant to purchase body armor under the Body
Armor Vest Partnership Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice. This past month we
were notified that we were one of the first twenty-five police departments in the country to be
approved for this grant funding. This request is for authorization to replace sworn officers' vests
under this grant program.
BACKGROUND
The majority of body armor vests worn by the members of the Seal Beach Police Department are in
need of replacement and were originally purchased at the officers' individual expense and typically
cost $500 to $600 to replace when done so individually. Under the Body Armor Vest Partnership
Program, sponsored by the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, the Seal Beach
Police Department filed an application for grant funding which would provide fifty-percent
reimbursement of the purchase cost to replace forty-one vests for full time and reserve police
officers.
The Police Department Technology Committee met with six vendors to examine and review the
workmanship of their body armor products. Prices ranged from $372 to $700. After careful
consideration of available products,the Committee recommended the Department adopt the Second
Chance body armor vests, based on the quality of the product,the manufacturer's reputation and it's
reputation for aftermarket service. Additionally,this manufacturer has offered extra vest covers for
each vest purchased. Adamson Industries of Costa Mesa is the Southern California representative
for the manufacturer.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost to purchase forty-one body armor vests is $15,241.24, including tax. After the grant
assistance from the Department of Justice, the net cost to the City would be $7,620.62. We are
recommending that this be paid for utilizing the $3,000 already included for this purchase in the
1999/00 budget, with the balance of funding to come from the Supplemental Law Enforcement
Block Grant(State COPS) of 1997/98, which has previously been approved by Council.
Agenda item A--
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Agenda Report Page 2 August 17, 1999
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorizes the Police Department to replace existing body
armor vests for its full-time and reserve police officers and that this purchase be made through
Adamson Industries under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
4. 4_ettk .
Michael F. Sellers, Chief of Police
NOTED AND APPROVED:
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'Pb j-' ' eith R. Till ' ity Manap.er