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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Commander Jack Fichtel, Lieutenant Rick Robertson
DATE: February 19, 2018
SUBJECT:
Resolution to purchase twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests to be used by the Special Response Team during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations.
PURPOSE:
To request authorization from the Aurora City Council to purchase twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests to be used by the Special Response Team during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Police Department Special Response Team is responsible for the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations that are deemed to be too high a threat level for other police personnel. Because of this the Special Response Team receives additional training and equipment that is not available or issued to other police personnel. One of these items of equipment is tactical ballistic vests which offer more coverage and greater ballistic protection than the ballistic vests worn by other police personnel. The current tactical ballistic vests used the Special Response Team personnel are beyond the five (5) year service life stated by the manufacturer. Thus, the department is seeking to purchase new tactical ballistic vests that are both serviceable and of a more function design.
DISCUSSION:
The Special Response Team is depended on to bring a safe resolution to potentially life-threatening situations, such as high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations. As a result of this, the vast majority of the requests for services offered by the Special Response Team are the result of police actions that directly relate to the enforcement of drug and gang crimes. The purchase of the twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests will allow the Special Response Team to operate with body armor that is not only current/not expired, but best suited for the types of tactical operations they perform.
While the Special Response Team can be called on to perform a variety of tactical operations, its personnel are primarily called upon for the execution of high-risk narcotic warrants. When the department deems it necessary to use the Special Response Team it is in an effort to increase the safety of innocent persons, police personnel, and suspects alike. During the enforcement of the duties that result in the issuance of high-risk narcotic search warrants, the department on occasion, has the opportunity to legally seize monies that are connected to narcotics related crimes. These funds are then awarded to the department and placed into a State Forfeiture account for permissible uses. As outlined in the “Illinois Asset Seizure and Forfeiture” Manual (page 26), it clearly outlines under “Permissible Use Examples” that the monies can be used “to provide necessary equipment used for the enforcement of drug laws.”
In considering several manufacturers of tactical ballistic vests, it was determined that Armor Express offered a product which best fit the requirements and needs of the Special Response Team. The vests and accessories were formally bid, with the bid proposals being opened February 14, 2018. The company, Kiesler Police Supply, Inc. of Jeffersonville, Indiana, provided the lowest, most responsive quote for the items, which totaled $80,123.92.
The monies for this project will therefore be utilized from the State Forfeiture account, more specifically account 217-3536-421.61-40.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If this project is not approved it will have a detrimental impact on the safety of Special Response Team personnel.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I am recommending that the City Council authorize the release of funds to purchase twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests to be used by the Special Response Team.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the purchase of purchase twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests to be used by the Special Response Team during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The Aurora Police Department for many years has depended on the Special Response Team to bring a safe resolution to potentially life-threatening situations, such as high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations.; and
WHEREAS, The current tactical ballistic vests used the Special Response Team personnel are beyond the five (5) year service life stated by the manufacturer. ; and
WHEREAS, The department is seeking to purchase new tactical ballistic vests that are both serviceable and of a more function design. ; and
WHEREAS, The department may deem it necessary to use the Special Response Team it is in an effort to increase the safety of innocent persons, police personnel, and suspects alike. The Special Response Team’s personnel are primarily called upon for the execution of high-risk narcotic warrants.; and
WHEREAS, During the enforcement of the duties that result in the issuance of high-risk narcotic search warrants, the department on occasion, has the opportunity to legally seize monies that are connected to narcotics related crimes. These funds are then awarded to the department and placed into a State Forfeiture account for permissible uses. As outlined in the “Illinois Asset Seizure and Forfeiture” Manual (page 26), it clearly outlines under “Permissible Use Examples” that the monies can be used “to provide necessary equipment used for the enforcement of drug laws.”; and
WHEREAS, The monies for this purchase will therefore be utilized from the State Forfeiture account, more specifically account 217-3536-421.61-40.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: It is the desire of the Department to purchase twenty-four (24) tactical ballistic vests to be used by the Special Response Team during the execution of high-risk narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations, and the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement on behalf of the City.