Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of the FY2026 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant (4703802) award from the Office of the Governor in the amount of $146,667.00 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 such as Constable Pcts 1-4 and investigators from County Attorneys Office and District Attorneys Office; and designating the County Judge as the authorized official and authorizing the judge to execute all relevant documents related to this grant and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match. [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: Acceptance of the grant award by the Webb County Sheriff's Office will assist eligible peace officers working at Webb County Offices to obtain rifle-resistant hard body armor for their enhanced safety.

Result: Utilizing grant funds through this grant award, the Webb County Sheriff's Office will be able to secure hard body armor for eligible peace officers for their increased 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.

This grant application was authorized by the court on 2/10/2025.