Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a Rifle-Resistant Body Armor grant application (4703802) to the Office of Governor (OOG) in the amount estimated at $343,800 for the purchase of rifle-resistant hard body armor for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and other participating Webb County Offices with eligible peace officers; and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents;including the resolution, and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match, and, thus, this grant will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2750]

Issue: The need for rifle-resistant body armor has increased due to the rise in active shooter incidents involving high-powered rifles, the militarization of criminal groups, and evolving threats faced by law enforcement and military personnel. Traditional body armor, which is effective against handguns, is insufficient against rifle fire, prompting the demand for more protective, rifle-resistant options in high-risk situations.

Solution: The Webb County Sheriff's Office's submission of the application will help eligible peace officers working in Webb County obtain rifle-resistant hard body armor, improving their safety.

Result: By using grant funds from this proposed application, the Webb County Sheriff's Office will be able to provide hard body armor to eligible peace officers, enhancing their safety and security.

The need for rifle-resistant body armor for law enforcement has grown due to an increase in active shooter incidents involving high-powered rifles, as well as the rise in firearms fatalities among officers. Data shows a steady rise in active shooter events, with a significant number involving rifles, and firearms-related deaths being the leading cause of officer fatalities. In response, initiatives like those in Texas aim to equip officers with enhanced body armor to better protect them from these evolving threats.

The court has already approved the submission and accepted the award in the past.