May 26, 2026
Police Department
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Timothy Simmons, Chief of Police
Subject:
Purchase of Ballistic Armor Torso Plates from TYR
Tactical
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $36,465.54 expenditure, which includes a 5 percent contingency, is included within the approved
fiscal year 2025–2026 Police Department budget
(Account String: 01194021-400603).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Police Department is requesting approval to
purchase replacement rifle rated ballistic armor torso
plates and related equipment for the Special Weapons
and Tactics (SWAT) Team. The proposed purchase will
outfit the SWAT Team with rifle rated ballistic armor torso plates, as the Department’s current SWAT protective
gear is nearing the end of its manufacturer-rated service life.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the purchase of replacement rifle-rated
ballistic armor torso and side plates from TYR Tactical in an amount not to exceed $36,465.54, which includes a 5
percent contingency – Police Department (Chief Timothy
Simmons 510-621-1802).
AGENDA
REPORT
May 26, 2026
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Richmond Police Department (RPD) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team respond to the Department’s most dangerous and high-risk incidents, including armed barricades, hostage situations, high-risk warrant service, and active threat events. These incidents present an elevated risk of gun violence and other serious hazards that require protective equipment beyond what is issued for standard patrol operations. SWAT rifle-rated ballistic torso plates are designed to protect personnel from higher velocity rifle threats that standard soft body armor is not intended to defeat, reducing the risk of serious injury or death during critical incidents.
Proper rifle-rated ballistic protection also improves officer safety and operational effectiveness during high-risk incidents by allowing SWAT personnel to safely engage in tactical operations while maintaining mobility and response capability. When officers are properly equipped, they are better able to focus on stabilizing dangerous situations, making sound decisions under pressure, and protecting officers, victims, bystanders, and other responding personnel. Proper protective equipment also supports the Department’s ability to manage critical incidents in a safe, controlled, and accountable manner.
The proposed purchase will replace the current rifle-rated ballistic torso plates used by the SWAT Team. These are replacement items for the Department’s current SWAT protective equipment, which is nearing the end of its manufacturer-rated service life.
Ballistic plates are certified to provide protection for a limited period, generally five years, after which they can no longer be relied upon to provide their intended level of protection. Once the replacement plates are received and issued, the current plates will be removed from service.
RPD staff obtained competitive pricing from multiple vendors, including TYR Tactical, DFNDR Armor, and HRT Tactical, for the required rifle-rated ballistic torso plates and related components (Attachments 1, 2, and 3). Quotes were evaluated for equivalent equipment configurations, pricing, compatibility with the Department’s selected vest platform, and the operational requirements of the SWAT Team. Following review of the quotes received, staff determined that TYR Tactical provided the lowest responsive pricing and best overall value while meeting the Department’s operational and safety needs (Attachment 4). The SWAT Team selected TYR Tactical Level 3+ Hard Armor Torso Plates based on operational reliability, compatibility with the Department’s selected vest platform, and the team’s positive experience using this equipment over the past decade.
RPD staff recommend City Council approve this purchase to ensure officer safety and maintain reliable protective equipment for SWAT personnel responding to high-risk incidents. The total estimated cost will not exceed $36,465.54, including a five percent contingency to account for minor price fluctuations and potential changes in shipping costs.
May 26, 2026
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – TYR Quote
Attachment 2 – DFNDR Armor Quote
Attachment 3 – HRT Tactical Gear Quote
Attachment 4 – Quote Summary