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 Vests from Crye Precision
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $21,064.80 expenditure, which includes a 6 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 ballistic vest platforms and related equipment for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Team. The proposed purchase will outfit the entire SWAT Team with replacement ballistic vest platforms, 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 ballistic vests
from Crye Precision in an amount not to exceed
$21,064.80, which includes a 6 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 ballistic vest platforms and rifle-rated armor plates are designed to protect personnel from handgun and rifle threats, fragmentation, ricochet hazards, and other impacts that may occur during critical incidents, reducing the risk of serious injury or death.
Modern SWAT vest platforms also improve operational effectiveness by allowing personnel to safely carry required equipment, including rifle-rated ballistic plates, medical supplies, less-lethal tools, and communication devices. This improves mobility, coordination, and response capability during high-risk incidents while enabling officers to render immediate medical aid if needed. When officers are properly equipped, they are better able to focus on stabilizing incidents safely, making sound decisions under pressure, and protecting officers, victims, bystanders, and the community.
The proposed purchase will outfit the entire SWAT Team with replacement ballistic vest platforms. These are replacement items for the Department’s current SWAT gear, which is nearing the end of its manufacturer-rated service life. Once the new equipment is received and issued, the current vests and plates will be removed from service.
RPD staff obtained competitive pricing from multiple vendors, including Crye Precision, US Patriot, and TACDIS, for the required SWAT vest platform components and compatible accessories (Attachments 1, 2, and 3). Quotes were evaluated for equivalent equipment configurations, pricing, compatibility, and the operational requirements of the SWAT Team. Following review of the quotes received, staff determined that Crye Precision provided the lowest responsive pricing and best overall value for the selected equipment configuration while meeting the Department’s operational and safety needs.
The vest platforms and ballistic plates are being purchased as separate items because Crye Precision manufactures the vest platform but does not manufacture rifle-rated ballistic plates. Following evaluation of available options, the SWAT Team selected the Crye Precision JPC R Series vest platform based on fit, weight, comfort, load-bearing capability, functionality, price, and overall service record. Compatible rifle-rated ballistic plates were selected separately to meet the Department’s operational and safety requirements.
RPD staff recommends City Council approve this purchase to ensure officer safety and maintain reliable protective equipment for SWAT personnel. The total estimated cost will not exceed $21,064.80, including a six percent contingency to account for minor price fluctuations and potential changes in shipping costs. Vendor quotes were based on a
May 26, 2026
quantity of one item for comparison purposes; however, the proposed purchase includes 20 units of each item (Attachment 4).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Crye Precision Quote
Attachment 2 – US Patriot Quote
Attachment 3 – TAC DIS Quote
Attachment 4 – Quote Summary