Title
Donation from Phoenix Police Foundation for Phoenix Police Department Downtown Operations Unit (Ordinance S-49514)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to accept a donation of two TYR Tactical Ballistic Shield Kits for the Phoenix Police Department Downtown Operations Unit from the Phoenix Police Foundation for up to $35,082.86. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept all funds, and for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Downtown Operations Unit (DOU) provides police coverage for the downtown Phoenix area which includes sporting and event venues, as well as many high-rise office and apartment buildings. DOU currently has handheld ballistic shields that provide protection against rifle projectiles which are limited to specific functions. Over the years, ballistic protection technology has improved with increased stopping capability while decreasing the weight of ballistic shields. Since this technology is essential to our job function and safety, having proper ballistic shield protection for tactical events is crucial.
The TYR Tactical Shield Kit is designed to overcome the gaps found in the current handheld ballistic shields we currently possess. The Kit has the capability to stand alone and provide cover and concealment without manually being held by hand by an officer. Previous older models of a similar nature where heavier in weight and were not practical for transport and assembly during a short time frame. The specialized advancements of the TYR Tactical Shield Kit provide a tactical advantage by allowing officers to quickly transport and assemble the shield system to be used in any type of structure or situation.
The Shield Kits would provide DOU officers optimal ballistic protection in a high-rise structure that contains long hallways or corridors where cover is very limited when confronting an armed threat or needing ballistic protection to conduct evacuations of bystanders. Having a stand-alone ballistic shield system/bunker allows officers to remain on the exterior of a structure/room for above average time frames without having the need to periodically switch out officers manually holding a ballistic shield. Having light weight ballistic shields on a three-wheeled dolly system provides cover in a situation when a person is located, officers can safely communicate with the potentially violent criminal offender and aid in negotiating a peaceful surrender from a ballistic protected position of tactical advantage.
This donation consists of $35,082.86 in funding to purchase two TYR Tactical Ballistic Shield Kits.
The Phoenix Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation is committed to addressing unmet capital needs of the Phoenix Police Department, providing financial assistance in crisis situations, and recognizing those who protect our community.
Financial Impact
There is no cost to the City.
Location
Downtown Phoenix corridor
Council Districts: 7 and 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.