AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution for the Purchase of an Armored Tactical Vehicle (BearCat) from Lenco Industries of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Appropriating Funds ($390,000) (PD)
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MEETING DATE:
May 1, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Candice Alaniz, Management Analyst
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution for the Purchase of an Armored Tactical Vehicle (BearCat) from Lenco Industries of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Appropriating Funds ($390,000).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Lodi Police Department ("LPD") currently owns a Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport ("BATT"), an armored rescue vehicle which was purchased in 2014 from Armored Group of Fort Worth, Texas.
Since receiving the BATT, it has experienced over 50 documented issues requiring repairs to various systems and equipment including but not limited to electrical issues (charging, battery, wiring), multiple door problems (locks, handles, hinges, and door stops), specialized equipment issues (winch, ram motor, PA system, spotlights), and engine issues (AC clutch, fuel filter, overheating). Many of these issues required towing, and resulted in the vehicle being out of service for multiple days at a time. In at least three of those cases, a fire started as a result. It is outside any warranties and there is no further support from the manufacturer.
The latest event occurred during a presentation at Lodi Middle School on March 15, 2024. During a presentation officers noticed that smoke had entered the interior of the vehicle through the AC vents. Officers immediately evacuated the vehicle and located a fire under the hood near the driver's side firewall. It was extinguished by officers with a fire extinguisher. The BATT was later towed to the Municipal Service Center where it was determined that a fire started in the main wiring harness. The harness was destroyed as well as the associated aftermarket wiring attached to or near the harness.
At this time, Fl...
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