ORDINANCE appropriating the sum of $711,000.00 out of the Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund for the purchase of body armor vests for the Houston Police Department; containing provisions related to the subject; and declaring an emergency.

The Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department recommends that City Council approve an ordinance to appropriate $711,000 from the FY2018 Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (Fund1800). This appropriation is budgeted in the FY2018 Capital Improvement Plan Budget approved by City Council. These funds will support the purchase of body armor vests, accessories and supplies for police officers.

This equipment, combined with HPD’s mandatory wear policy, will have a direct safety impact to police officers who experience blunt force trauma from vehicle accidents, gunshots, or knife attacks.  New body armor vests generally have an average lifespan of five years, with a manufacturer warranty for the same period.  A body armor vest that has been shot, stabbed, or submerged no longer provides a safety benefit to the police officer and requires replacement. 

HPD will purchase body armor vests through the City’s contracts with LoneStar Uniforms and Safariland, LLC, and follow all procurement policies and procedures.

FISCAL NOTE:

$711,000 -Equipment Acquisition Consolidated (Fund 1800)

Frank Rodriguez, Police Administrator                      713-308-1717

Clifton Journet III, Executive Staff Analyst                 713-308-1779