Commissioners Court Meeting

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Meeting Date:	08/22/2016
Request for Purchase of Bulletproof & Stabproof Vests
Submitted for:	Martin Cuellar	Submitted By:	Anita Guerra
Department:	Sheriff

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to approve the purchase of 93 bulletproof vests and 160 stab proof vests in the amount of $175,905 from Nardis Public Safety for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office; pursuant to Sections 271.101 and 271.102, Subchapter F, Cooperative Purchasing Program (Buy Board Contract #507-16); and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #605-3001-8801-7 (Capital Outlay Contingency Fund)]

Issue: It is a fact that in the United States the number of law enforcement officers shot dead on the job is up 78% this year as compared to the same period last year. Moreover, Article XVI on page 29 of the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Webb County Deputies’ Association and Webb County stipulates that the County shall provide bulletproof vests to all peace officers. This request for the purchase of bulletproof and stab proof vests that was submitted originally to the Webb County Capital Outlay Committee for their review/approval since September 30, 2015, is now considered an exigent request due to too many recent tragic events involving the deaths of officers in the United States, including the deadly Dallas shooting of five (5) officers on July 7, 2016.

Solution: The purchase of bulletproof and stab proof vests by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court will provide Webb County Sheriff’s Office deputies and correctional officers needed and essential protective equipment for their safety, fulfill their contractual obligations contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and help mitigate any possible future legal and/or liability issues.

Result: Through the purchase of bulletproof and stab proof vests, correctional officers and deputies will be provided essential safety equipment for their protection from knives and guns. Furthermore, Webb County will be in compliance with their contractual obligations and prevent possible, grievous liability issues should Webb County Sheriff’s Office correctional officers be attacked by inmates at the Webb County jail and/or deputies be engaged in deadly and/or dangerous shooting incidents while patrolling, serving warrants, providing court security, and/or conducting investigations.

Background:

This capital outlay request has been submitted to the Capital Outlay Committee for their bi-monthly review/approval since September 30, 2015.

Previous Court Action:

This capital outlay request has been submitted to the Capital Outlay Committee for their bi-monthly review/approval since September 30, 2015.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	603-0101-8801
Funding Source:	Capital Outlay
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
Through the purchase of bulletproof and stab proof vests, Webb County will be in compliance with their contractual obligations and prevent possible, grievous liability issues should Webb County Sheriff’s Office correctional officers be attacked by inmates at the Webb County jail and/or deputies be engaged in deadly and/or dangerous shooting incidents while patrolling, serving warrants, providing court security, and/or conducting investigations.

Attachments
CBA Contract Item
Bulletproof & Stab Proof Vest Quote
Old Capital Outlay Request