Consent 1.H.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/13/2020
- TITLE
- Acceptance of the 2017 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Award to Purchase a Hostage Negotiation Van in the Amount of $85,000
- PRESENTED BY:
- Rich St. John
- Department:
- Police
Presentation:
No
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The State of Montana has $85,000 available through the FY 2017 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and has offered a sub-grant to the Billings Police Department to purchase a Hostage Negotiation Van.
The Billings Police Department Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) serves a community with a population over 110,000 people. The HNT responds to critical incidents such as hostage situations and suicidal subjects, as well as tactical team operations. In addition to critical incidents the HNT works preparedness details for VIP's and events that could turn into a critical incident.
Currently the HNT uses a bumper pull utility trailer which inhibits mobility and independent operation. This has created some issues. The HNT does not have a designated police vehicle capable of pulling the trailer and the HNT has been forced to use personally owned vehicles to pull the trailer to the critical incident.
Hostage Negotiators are often required to communicate with subjects for several hours during a crisis. Negotiators need an area separate and apart from tactical operations and that provide them protection from the weather. Additionally, sensitive equipment needs to be protected from the environment. Successful negotiating operations requires at least four officers, independence from the tactical command post, and must have the ability to work without distraction and safe from hazards and weather. The requested equipment will meet all of these requirements.
The Billings Police Department Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) serves a community with a population over 110,000 people. The HNT responds to critical incidents such as hostage situations and suicidal subjects, as well as tactical team operations. In addition to critical incidents the HNT works preparedness details for VIP's and events that could turn into a critical incident.
Currently the HNT uses a bumper pull utility trailer which inhibits mobility and independent operation. This has created some issues. The HNT does not have a designated police vehicle capable of pulling the trailer and the HNT has been forced to use personally owned vehicles to pull the trailer to the critical incident.
Hostage Negotiators are often required to communicate with subjects for several hours during a crisis. Negotiators need an area separate and apart from tactical operations and that provide them protection from the weather. Additionally, sensitive equipment needs to be protected from the environment. Successful negotiating operations requires at least four officers, independence from the tactical command post, and must have the ability to work without distraction and safe from hazards and weather. The requested equipment will meet all of these requirements.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Approve the 2017 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Award to Purchase a Hostage Negotiation Van in the Amount of $85,000; or
- Not approve the 2017 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Award to Purchase a Hostage Negotiation Van in the Amount of $85,000; which would result in using less effective equipment and continue operating status quo.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City as there is no City match required for this grant.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approve the 2017 State Homeland Security Program to Purchase a Hostage Negotiation Van in the amount of $85,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents.