The Acting Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department recommends that City Council approve an ordinance to appropriate $1,145,000 from the FY2017 Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (Fund1800). This appropriation is budgeted in the FY2017 Capital Improvement Plan Budget approved by City Council on July 20, 2016. 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.
Funding for this item is included in the FY2017 Capital Improvement Plan budget. Therefore, no fiscal note is required as stated in the Financial Policy Ordinance No. 2014-1078.