DATE: AUGUST 23, 2022
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: ROBERTO FILICE, CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE: DIRECT PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR SWAT AND VSTF
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the direct purchase of two Daniel Defense MK 18 rifles, two breaching shotguns, and one Heckler & Koch MP5K-N gun for a total cost not to exceed $7,882.25.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the direct purchase of two Daniel Defense MK 18 rifles, two breaching shotguns, and one Heckler & Koch MP5K-N gun to be used by the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Violence Suppression Task Force (VSTF) Teams. Equipment will be purchased from Adamson Police Equipment, Royal Arms, and John Doe Investigations for a total cost not to exceed $7,882.25.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Violence Suppression Task Force (VSTF) Teams have a need for five specialized weapons, specifically two Daniel Defense MK 18 rifles, two breaching shotguns, and one Heckler & Koch MP5K-N gun. Equipment will be purchased from Adamson Police Equipment, Royal Arms, and John Doe Investigations for a total cost not to exceed $7,882.25. Assembly Bill 481, codified in Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, requires a law enforcement agency (LEA) to obtain approval from the applicable governing body prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. As these weapons being requested are defined as “Military Equipment” per AB 481, we are seeking City Council approval prior to purchasing these items.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Violence Suppression Task Force (VSTF) Teams have the need to purchase five specialized weapons for use by the Teams. The purchase will include two Daniel Defense MK18 rifles, two breaching shotguns, and one Heckler & Koch MP5K-N gun. This specialized equipment is increasingly common for SWAT and VSTF-like teams, used to deploy in situations such as hostage taking, mass shootings, threats of terrorism, and other situations behond the capabilities of ordinary law enforcement. Breaching shotguns are dedicated weapons used to breach doors quickly to gain access. They are designed to destroy deadbolts, locks, and hinges with significantly reduced risk when compared to using traditional ammunition for that purpose. SPD will also purchase two MK18 AR-15 style semi-automatic firearms, which has more accuracy than a handgun but has a shorter length than a traditional patrol rifle thus making in more maneuverable in close quarters. The Heckler & Koch MP5K-N gun is being purchased for one of the SWAT Team members who is also a K9 handler. The MP5 has a shorter length than the MK18 AR-15 and the improved maneuvarability and accuracy aligns with the dual responsibilities associated with a SWAT K9 handler. Equipment will be purchased from Adamson Police Equipment, Royal Arms, and John Doe Investigations for a total cost not to exceed $7,882.25.
Assembly Bill 481 – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use, requires the Salinas Police Department to obtain approval from the Salinas City Council prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. The weapons within this request meet the criteria of AB 481 Category 8: Firearms of .50 caliber or greater, and Category 10: Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, with the exception of standard issue service weapons, and thus City Council approved is required prior to acquisition. More information about AB 481, including Salinas Police Department’s policy and equipment inventory are available at www.salinaspd.org/assembly-bill-481. Salinas Police Department Policy 709 Addendum A provides the applicable equipment inventory, including the purpose of equipment, cost, lifespan, and authorized use.
There are no local vendors that sell these specialized weapons, and the SWAT/VSTF Commander has extensively researched vendors before selecting the vendors identified in this Report. The attached quotes total $7,463.78, but does not include sales tax for the out of state vendors supplying the breaching shotguns or MP5K-N gun. The City will pay the additional $418.47 in sales tax via the quarterly Use Tax reconciliation. With the addition of the Sales/Use Tax, the purchase total will be $7,882.25. Given the absence of local vendors, as well as the information provided, the City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080.
Police Community Advisory Committee
The Police Chief identified the potential purchase in his Chief’s Report to the Police Community Advisory Committee on July 27, 2022. The Committee had no questions regarding this purchase.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Service will coordinate with the Finance Department during the purchasing process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
No new funds are requested to support this purchase. Funds are appropriated and available within the Police Department’s Patrol and VSTF Division budgets, accounts 1000.40.4220 and 1200.40.4343.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Equipment Quotes
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