Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2025-035 authorizing the application to the FY 2026 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program through the Office of the Governor; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Finance Department
BACKGROUND:
The Public Safety Office in the Office of the Governor opened the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program for the fiscal year 2026. This funding source allows law enforcement agencies to equip peace officers with rifle-resistant body armor.
The City of Farmers Branch Police Department currently issues all sworn officers a rifle-resistant vest and the required ballistic vest they wear daily. The rifle-resistant body armor officers currently possess has expired. The Farmers Branch Police Department Uniform and Appearance Standard Operating Procedure 700.02 requires that ballistic vests be worn in uniform and during high-risk activities as directed.
Despite the department requiring body armor for officer life safety, with an increase in felonious deaths and assaults on officers on the rise, these expired armor places officers in increased danger when on duty.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Farmers Branch Police Department is requesting an amount of $14,126.80 from the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program to purchase 20 rifle-resistant body armor vests and 20 amor active shooter kit carry bags. Currently, all 90 sworn personnel in the Farmers Branch Police Department are operating with rifle-resistant body armor, which previously expired, placing the officers' lives at risk. Given that a majority of these vests have reached their warranty end date, it is recommended that we request funding to cover 20 rifle-resistant body armor vests for two shifts. This will give the Department enough for officers to select a properly fitting vest to take during their shift, with extra to cover staffing overages or special events. Each shift includes one lieutenant, two sergeants, and six to eight officers.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% State...
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