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CC-CONSENT ITEM:  Approval of an Application for $25,977.81 in Grant Funds through the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership.

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Meeting Date: October 26, 2026

Contact Person/Dept.: Troy Dunlap/ Assistant Chief of Police

Phone Number:  (310) 253-6396

Fiscal Impact:  Yes [X]    No []                                          General Fund:  Yes [X]     No []

Attachments:   Yes []     No [X]   

Public Notification:   (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (xx/xx/xxxx)  

Department Approval: Jason Sims, Chief of Police, (10/06/2026)      _____________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the City Council approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $25,977.81 through the FY 2026 Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP), created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement.  Since 1999, the BVP program has awarded more than 13,000 jurisdictions, a total of $573 million in federal funds for the purchase of over 1.5 million vests. BVP is a critical resource for state and local jurisdictions that saves lives.

The BVP covers one-half the costs of department- purchased bullet-proof vests.  Since 2000, the Police Department has been awarded $336,397.47.

The department needs to replace vests (based on a five-year vest life cycle) and purchase vests for new hires. The Police Department’s records show the need to replace 54 issued vests (based on a five-year vest life cycle) and purchase 28 new vests for new officers over the next two years, based on current and future vacancies due to attrition. The grant application reflects the maximum funding ($25,977.81) and number of vests (61) the Ddepartment is allowed authorized to request for reimbursement.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

Grant allocated funds will be used to off-set 50% of the costs for the purchase of ballistic vests.  Funds have been allocated in the proposed fiscal-year 2026-2027 Police Department budget to purchase new ballistic vests (10140200.514600).

recommended action

MOTION(S)

That the City Council:

1.                     Approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $25,977.81 through the FY 2026 Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership; and,

2.                     Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,

3.                     Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.