Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the city's acceptance of funds awarded from the Arizona Attorney General's Office (AGO) for the purpose of purchasing law enforcement safety equipment in the amount of $25,000.00.  (Richard Jessup, Chief of Police)

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is committed to partnering with law enforcement across the state and ensuring police agencies have the support and resources necessary so law enforcement can do their job effectively and keep officers safe. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s Office has set aside approximately $2.5 million in total funds of Arizona’s portion of the Wells Fargo multi-state settlement monies for purposes of funding requests by Arizona law enforcement agencies to procure police safety equipment that is not currently funded by other sources. The goal of the AGO is to award funding to every eligible law enforcement agency in Arizona that requests qualified funding. Available funds have been divided into various award category funding tiers, based upon current agency Arizona Police Officer Standard Training (AZPOST) certification (as of 05/01/2020). The awarded funds are for a period of twelve (12) months upon notice of award and are subject to available funds. All funds must be expended by the end of the contract period. Agencies will be required to provide proof of purchase of approved equipment.

Currently, the San Luis Police Department has a total of 36 out of 41 sworn personnel positions, and all would be eligible to use the items that will be purchased. To date, the department has purchased a very limited quantity of upgraded firearms with tactical sights and communication equipment with designated Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) funds from last year’s fiscal year budget. However, with the current pandemic and protests, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other needs required by many cities across Arizona cannot be obtained due to unavailable funds for this specialized equipment.

The San Luis Police Department has been awarded funding from the AGO for purposes of purchasing law enforcement safety equipment in the amount of $25,000.00. The AGO is providing the San Luis Police Department with the flexibility to determine what safety equipment might be most beneficial for our officers.

We obtained quotes for equipment in the amount of $24,678.67 that has been approved during the application process with the AGO. A check for that amount will be issued to the San Luis Police Department for those purchases to be made. Proof of receipt and purchase must be provided to the AGO to meet the terms of the award.