Purchase of Lenco
BearCat Armored
Rescue Vehicle
No local armored vehicle available for high-risk incidents Reliance on outside agencies (Sheriff ’s Office, >30 miles away) Delays of 30+ minutes in emergencies where seconds matter Increasing frequency & severity of active shooter and mass-casualty incidents nationwide
Standards
of Cover
Community
Risk
Assessment
Acquisition of Armored Rescue Vehicle
Description: The Department should evaluate the
feasibility of acquiring an armored rescue vehicle to
enhance officer safety and tactical response
capabilities during high-risk incidents, including active shooter situations or hostage rescues.
Outcomes: Having an armored vehicle readily
available would reduce response delays in critical
incidents, increase citizen and officer safety, and
enhance the Department’s ability to contain and
resolve dangerous situations locally.
Estimated Financial Cost/Savings: Acquisition of
a new armored vehicle could range from $250,000 to
$400,000, with additional upfitting costs required for
emergency lighting, communication systems, and
department-specific modifications. Minor expenses
would also be associated with staff training in safe
operation and tactical deployment. A storage location
would need to be identified, which may present a
logistical challenge given current facility limitations.
Why a
BearCat?
Nationally adopted by law enforcement agencies
Mission-critical for:
- Active shooter response
- Hostage rescue
- Civilian and officer evacuation
- Tactical EMS support
Key capabilities:
- Ballistic protection (up to .50 caliber, multi-hit
certified)
- Tactical EMS configuration (medical cabinet, SCBA
system, workstation)
- All-terrain mobility (4WD, run-flat tires)
- 360° situational awareness (advanced cameras)
Sole source product – no equivalent alternative available Supplemental Law
Enforcement Funds
AB 3229 Summary (1996)
Purpose: Created the Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) program to provide supplemental state funding to local law enforcement.
Funding Source: $100 million allocated in the 1996 Budget Act to be distributed based on county/city population. Exclusive Use:
Funds must be spent exclusively on front-line law enforcement services such as police patrols, equipment, and crime prevention programs.
Supplement, Not Supplant:
Cannot replace existing general fund spending; must supplement existing services. Eligible Uses:
Police personnel (e.g., hiring or overtime for patrol/response) Equipment and technology that supports front-line police services Training, anti-gang programs, and community crime prevention Capital purchases, as long as they directly support front-line services (vehicles like a BearCat qualify). Why This Matters for the BearCat
Purchasing a Lenco BearCat armored rescue vehicle falls within allowable SLESF use because:
It is directly tied to front-line law enforcement services (active shooter response, officer/civilian rescue, critical incident management).
It supplements existing capabilities—Paso Robles currently has none. It does not exceed administrative limits or fund unrelated capital projects. It will be approved in a public hearing by City Council, satisfying legal requirements.
Fiscal
Impact &
Funding
COST
Vehicle cost: $372,465
Freight: $16,000
Tax (8.75%): $32,590.69
Total: $421,055.69
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund
(SLESF):
Current balance: $746,546.32
$375,000 earmarked in FY 2025-26
Additional $47,000 allocation requested
Recommendation
Approve Resolution 25-XXX:
Authorize BearCat purchase
($421,055.69)
Allocate $47,000 additional
funds from SLESF
Authorize City Manager to
finalize purchase