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, Fleet Services has been unable to locate a replacement harness. Even after one is located, the vehicle will have to be dismantled to conduct repairs. This will possibly involve cutting the steel armor and attempting to lift the “armor box” of the vehicle off the frame. In speaking with the Fleet Superintendent, the City does not have equipment to conduct this repair due to the weight of the armor box, which is estimated at several tons. Even with access behind the armor to conduct the repairs, the custom nature of the vehicle creates a virtual puzzle of electrical wiring to repair and/or replace. The repair is further complicated due to a necessary examination to determine the cause of the fire so that it does not occur again. Due to these challenges, the estimated cost and time for repair are considerable. The Fleet Superintendent expressed concern regarding the overall safety of the vehicle, given that it has experienced multiple fires and repeated problems with the doors. The vehicle is currently 10 years old and the repair costs to date are $52,966.78.
The intermittent, and now extended, lack of an armored tactical vehicle has created a safety concern, as LPD does not possess another armored vehicle in its fleet, which can be used in a tactical operation, emergency response, or rescue. The LPD has contacted the Stockton Police Department, Manteca Police Department, and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and all have agreed to allow LPD the usage of their armored tactical vehicles if it becomes necessary. While this is a temporary solution, it is not ideal as the estimated response time for such emergency vehicles outside of City limits will be extended. In the event of an emergency, there is a high likelihood that officers will be responding with the vehicles currently at LPD’s disposal, few of which offer limited ballistic protection. The lack of a functioning armored vehicle limits the department’s ability to apprehend dangerous individuals, and leaves officers and citizens vulnerable during dangerous incidents.
On average, the BATT was used in operations 12-14 times per year. At minimum, Special Weapons and Tactics (“SWAT”) team used it 1-2 times per month during training, and Mobile Field Force used it quarterly in trainings. In addition, it was used in 1-2 community events per month (Lodi Street Fair, school presentations, etc.). In total, the vehicle was used an average of over 40 times per year.
The Lodi Police Department has contacted Lenco Industries, the manufacturer of the BearCat armored tactical vehicle. The BearCat is a purpose built, field-tested armored vehicle based on a heavy-duty commercial truck chassis (Ford F550 4x4). The Bearcat is similar in design to the BATT but is from a more reputable vendor. The vehicle is built with Mil-Spec steel armor plate, certified to defeat multi-hit attacks from 7.62 armor piercing to .50 caliber BMG rounds. Floors and ceilings provide enhanced blast and fragmentation protection, and ballistic glass windows offer the same multi-hit defeat and crystal-clear vision. Repairs, maintenance, and parts replacement are covered by a three-year Ford OEM warranty, as well as a three-year Lenco warranty. Lenco Industries products are utilized by over 1,000 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, which includes over 150 within the state of California alone.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of the Lenco BearCat with moneys from the Vehicle Replacement Fund in the amount of $390,000.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7F. Public Safety: Meet International Organization for Standardization Measurements in response time.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Appropriate funds from the Vehicle Replacement Fund balance in the amount of $390,000.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Vehicle Replacement Fund ($390,000) 64399100.77040.
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Ricardo Garcia
Police Chief
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Melissa Munoz
Accounting Manager
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Andrew C. Keys
Interim City Manager