DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: JOHN MURRAY, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: EULALIO VILLEGAS, POLICE COMMANDER
TITLE: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO SEEK FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A TACTICAL ARMORED VEHICLE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Police Department to seek funding to support the purchase of a tactical armored vehicle.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Police Department currently has two armored vehicles that are used to provide armored/ballistic response during pre-planned or significant events such as critical incidents, natural disasters, and community events. Given the age of vehicles, the restrictive capabilities of a larger armored vehicle, and the significant improvements in recent years in the armored vehicle industry, the Police Department is requesting to purchase a smaller armored vehicle with current technology to ensure the police department can respond to a disaster or significant incident when necessary. 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 an armored tactical vehicle is defined as “Military Equipment” per AB 481, we are seeking City Council approval prior to seeking funds to support the purchase.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department has two armored vehicles, named Rescue 1 and Rescue 2. Rescue 1 was acquired in 2013 and Rescue 2 was acquired in 2019, and neither have had significant upgrades since their acceptance. The two MRAP Vehicles (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle) were acquired from the US Government 1033 Program through the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997. The MRAPs were built for and used by the military before the Police Department received them. When they were acquired by the police department, they were painted, outfitted with emergency lighting equipment, including a police radio. Given the age of vehicles, the restrictive capabilities of a larger armored vehicle, and the significant improvements in recent years in the armored vehicle industry, the Police Department is requesting to purchase a smaller armored vehicle with current technology. There are several companies that manufacture tactical armored vehicles specifically for law enforcement and tailor them for urban or city use. These armored vehicles are normally smaller, lower to the ground, and configured with police equipment and lighting. Compared to the MRAPs, they are easier to maneuver into small spaces like residential driveways and have several doors built on them to allow the vehicle to be positioned at any angle to enable police personnel entry or exit behind the ballistic armor of the vehicle. These smaller armored vehicles have chemical agent resistant coating which enables the vehicle to be easily decontaminated after exposure to hazardous threats. These vehicles also have a hydraulic ram that breaches barricaded areas in high-threat situations so police personnel do not have to leave the safety of the vehicle.
The Salinas Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responds to between 25-35 pre-planned and/or spontaneous critical incidents each year, and during each incident the MRAP is deployed. Some of those deployments are in support of other Monterey County agencies and the armored vehicle serves as a regional asset that is beneficial to support and control law enforcement activities. The MRAP has also been used during natural disasters such as the 2023 floods in Monterey County. The wear and tear on the existing MRAPs have required constant maintenance. Just recently, one of the MRAPs was found to have water damage in the fuel tank caused by its use during the flooding. The MRAPs are midway on the manufacture suggested life expectancy.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Peninsula Special Response Unit, currently have Lenco Bearcats. The Lenco Bearcat is one of the tactical armored vehicles built specifically for law enforcement and one we would look to purchase. Those two agencies are busy with deployments but do not come close to the number of deployments the Salinas Police Department faces. We also have mutual aid agreements with all agencies within the county and have assisted them on occasion. A smaller armored vehicle will assist the Salinas Police Department with providing the best service to the community and offer the best protection for officers and citizens alike.
The Salinas Police Department does not have funds within the FY 2024-25 budget to support the purchase of a tactical armored vehicle and thus are requesting approval to seek funding, including the possible submission of a grant application, to support the purchase.
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. Assembly Bill 481, codified in Government Code sections 7071(a)(1)(B) specifically requires approval of the governing body prior to “seeking funds for military equipment, including, but not limited to, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.” As an armored tactical vehicle meets the criteria of AB 481 Category 2: Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers, City Council approval is required prior to seeking funding to support any purchase. 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.
Should the Police Department be successful in obtaining a funding award to support the necessary purchase of a tactical armored vehicle, the department will return to City Council for approval to accept the funding and authorize the purchase.
Police Community Advisory Committee
The Police Chief presented the intent to request approval to seek funding for the purchase of an armored tactical vehicle to the Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) during the Chief’s Report at the August 28, 2024 meeting. 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 Department will coordinate with the Public Works Department’s Fleet Division on options for tactical armored vehicles. If funds are awarded, the Police Department will further coordinate with the Public Work’s Fleet Division, as well as the Finance and Legal Departments.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
No funds are requested to support the activities involved in seeking funds. Should funds be awarded, the department will return to City Council for approval to accept funds and purchase the vehicle.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
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