HomeMy WebLinkAboutJustice Assistance Grant Application.pdf Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Ken Stocks, Grants Specialist
Marty Kent, Deputy Chief
Chuck Winn, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve Justice Assistance Grant Application to the Bureau of Justice in
the amount of $17,888 for the Purchase of Patrol Rifles and Accessories.
MEETING DATE: July 18, 2011.
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent.
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve grant submittal.
BACKGROUND: Funding of this grant will enable the Bozeman Police Department to
purchase approximately 10, .223 caliber patrol rifles and accessories such as slings, rifle sights,
magazines, etc. These weapons will improve the effectiveness and increase the safety of police
officers engaged in violent encounters. A brief project narrative is attached.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Approval of this proposal will have no adverse impacts on the current
Police Department budget. Matching funds are not required by the funding agency.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
Attachments: budget narrative; project narrative
Report compiled on: July 5, 2011
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July 5, 2011
Justice Assistance Grant: Purchase of .223 caliber Patrol Rifles
The Bureau of Justice Assistance has indicated that the City of Bozeman is eligible for a 2012
Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $17,888. The Bozeman Police Department has
determined that the best use of these funds is for the purchase of approximately 10 patrol
rifles. The grant deadline is July 21, 2012
The Bozeman Police Department has recognized a need to make changes to the weapons we
issue to our officers. With the current climate of violence being used by some of our criminal
element against citizens and police officers alike, we have found it necessary to equip our
officers with a weapon that can more effectively and safely be used to help combat the rise in
these violent encounters. The safety of our citizens and that of our officers continues to be our
highest priority. Having a weapon with accurate, long range capability without the fear of
bullet over-penetration will help our department meet our obligation of continuing to provide a
safe environment for our citizens while at the same time, making the business of law
enforcement safer for our officers.
The Bozeman Police Department would like to use the funds offered in this grant to begin
implementation of an eventual department wide patrol rifle program. While taking into
account national best-practice standards in law enforcement, training considerations and
ballistic advantages of the .223 patrol rifle, this department plans to deploy these weapons as
soon as we are able. With the assistance of these grant funds, our department would purchase
approximately 10 patrol rifles and related accessories such as slings and rifle sights. The funds
may also be used to purchase the duty ammunition for these weapons.
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