DATE: JUNE 13, 2023
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: ROBERTO FILICE, CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE: DIRECT PURCHASE OF AB-481 EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the direct purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles and associated equipment, diversionary devices, and ammunition for a total cost not to exceed $59,994.91.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the direct purchase of two DJI Matrice 30T unmanned aerial vehicles and associated equipment for use by our Salinas Police Aerial Support (SPAS) Team, as well as 168 diversionary devices, and 21 cases of ammunition to be used by the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. Equipment will be purchased from UVT, LC Action, and San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc. for a total cost not to exceed $59,994.91.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The department’s Salinas Police Aerial Support (SPAS) Team has the need for two DJI Matrice 30T unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with associated equipment and batteries to replace damaged equipment. The department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team have a need for 168 diversionary devices, and 21 cases of specialty ammunition for use during training and operations. Equipment will be purchased from UVT, LC Action, and San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc. for a total cost not to exceed $59,994.91. 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 the items being requested are defined as “Military Equipment” per AB 481, we are seeking City Council approval prior to purchasing.
BACKGROUND:
On April 4, 2023, while assisting the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office with response to a call of a subject with a rifle. The Salinas Police Aerial Support (SPAS) Team provided assistance with monitoring the incident from the air. While assistant with taking photos and video footage of the scene, the unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) was damaged when it fell approximately 90 feet and crashed into the ground. The drone and installed accessories were valued at approximately $45,000. The City successfully submitted an insurance claim for this incident and recently received $42,460 to be used toward replacement equipment. After reviewing options, The SPAS Team is requesting to purchase two DJI Matrice 30T unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with associated equipment and batteries as a replacement. We have secured a quote from UVT, totaling $34,492.15, for these replacement items. Remaining insurance funds will be used to purchase maintenance items.
The Salinas Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team has the need to purchase diversionary devices and specialty ammunition for used exclusively by the team during training and operations. The 120 Mini Flashbangs and 48 Flashbangs being requested are diversionary devices used exclusively by the SWAT Team during training and high-risk operations. New SWAT Team members require dedicated training on these items, and existing SWAT Team members undergo regularly scheduled training to maintain specialized skills with this equipment. We have secured a quote from LC Action, totaling $13,513.79, for these diversionary devices. The SWAT Team also has the need to purchase .308 and .338 ammunition for exclusive use by the specialized SWAT snipers during training and high-risk situations. We are requesting 19 cases of .308 ammunition and two cases of .338 ammunition. We have secured a quote from San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc., totaling $11,588.97, for this ammunition.
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 equipment and supplies within this request meet the criteria of AB 481 Category 1: Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicles, 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 is 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 this specialized equipment and supplies, and we have selected existing vendors with long and positive history serving law enforcement. The attached quotes total $59,994.91. 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 presented this direct purchase request to the Police Community Advisory Committee on May 24, 2023. The Committee had no questions or concerns regarding this requested action.
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 for the drone and equipment are available in the Police Vehicle Replacement’s Insurance account, 5800.40.9579-66.5540, and funds for the diversionary devices and ammunition are appropriated and available within the Police Department’s Patrol Division budget, accounts 1000.40.4220 and 1100.40.4220.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
AB-481 Equipment Quotes
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