TITLE:
Receive report and consider approval of Police Department’s firearms purchase request ISSUE:
The Police Department is requesting to expand and update the general issue firearms for the Police Department utilizing Asset Forfeiture funds.
ANALYSIS:
The current duty handguns of Fort Bragg Police Department were purchased approximately five years ago. The current rifles – which are shared – were purchased approximately eleven years ago. These firearms, carried daily by the officers, sustain significantly more wear and are constantly in the salt-air, coastal elements as compared to a privately owned firearm. The rifles have a barrel life at approximately 15,000 rounds, which is quickly approaching.
Firearms technology in law enforcement has improved tremendously. The movement to red dot optics in policing has been overwhelming due to the benefits provided by them. They improve accuracy during stressful situations. They are target focus instead of front site focus, allowing officers to maintain focus on the threat with accuracy. Red dot systems are also a great marksmanship-training tool, showing the shooter if they have an imperfect trigger press. This assists with officers building a repeatable process, which leads to more results that are predictable.
The other benefits of red dot optics are improved accuracy, faster target acquisition, better low-light performance, enhanced follow-up shots, and more target focus capability. It allows officers to maintain focus on the suspect and assist with making critical use of force decisions. The utility and versatility with a low powered variable optic (LPVO) for the rifles allows Officers to positively identify a target, and engage at a distance with increased accuracy, as well as engaging in close range.
Individually assigned rifles ensure officers have their own rifle with the optics set to their individual needs, ensuring they have a “zeroed” sight. Unlike shotguns, which have non-moveable fixed sights and have a much shorter range, rifles require the sights be adjusted to each individual shooter to achieve long distance accuracy. Law enforcement has been moving to rifles from shotguns due to that long range accuracy, reducing liability from missed shots. Assigning officers their own rifle will result in more reliable accuracy because the rifle will be adjusted to the officer it is assigned to.
The Mendocino Coast is an isolated area, especially when it comes to policing. Backup officers are few, and sometimes far, increasing the danger of critical incidents. With the upgrade in the firearms system, the possibility of officers providing the emergency assistance needed is increased.
The benefit of providing an off-duty carry firearm is the ease and access of concealment during off-duty situations such as court or in the extreme case of providing a response during a high-stress situation when it is warranted. During on-duty situations, it can be utilized as a backup firearm. The Glock G43X as a backup, is compact enough to provide a secondary means in case the primary firearm is not operational, or the officer is unable to reach their primary firearm. Providing a backup/off-duty firearm also reduces city liability, as we have control and oversight of the equipment. Finally, it encourages officers to be prepared to assist in critical incidents at all times.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve purchase requests to upgrade the Police Department’s on-duty and off-duty weapons.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Deny purchase request.
Request the Police Department return with additional information/justification.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated total cost for all equipment, including the trade-in program for our current firearms, is $67,822.32. This expense will be covered using Asset Forfeiture funds, which currently have a balance of $444,504. The expenditure of $67,822.32 has been approved in the FY 24/25 Adopted Budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
No environmental impacts were identified.
CONSISTENCY:
The Police Department attempted to obtain three quotes from three separate vendors in accordance with the City’s purchase policy.
IMPLEMENTATION/TIMEFRAMES:
The firearms purchases are expected to be completed by November 1, 2024. Training and deployment of new firearms is expected to be completed by March 1, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment #2 LC Action Quote (Recommended)
Attachment #3 Proforce Quote
Attachment #4 Glock Quote-Partial
Attachment #5 DownRange Quote
NOTIFICATION:
No interested parties identified.
AGENCY: City CouncilMEETING DATE: August 12, 2024DEPARTMENT: Police DepartmentPRESENTED BY: Padraic FerrisEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]: City CouncilMEETING DATE: August 12, 2024DEPARTMENT: Police DepartmentPRESENTED BY: Padraic FerrisEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: August 12, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
PRESENTED BY: Padraic Ferris
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: August 12, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
PRESENTED BY: Padraic Ferris
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY