Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on including ballistic windshields as part of standard upfitting for the Sheriff's Office Patrol, Constable Office Patrol, EMS ambulances and command SUV, and Law Enforcement credentialed Fire Marshal vehicles.

In February 2025 during a Fleet Committee meeting, Judge Gravell suggested the piloting/testing of ballistic windshields as part of standard upfitting for four Sheriffs' Office vehicles and one ambulance.  The Sheriff's Office not only tested these windshields, but also requested proceeding with a grant application to unfit 48 units (about half of their fleet) with ballistic windshields, which was approved by the Court.  Departments are now asking to include this ballistic windshield as standard upfitting to be paid for out of general funds.  The cost per windshield would be roughly $3300.  The ballistic windshield would need to be removed prior to the unit going to auction when retired with the old windshield being installed (if not cracked/damaged since this occurs 98% of the time when being removed initially).  The cost to install the old windshield is $900 inclusive of labor and materials, or $300 for labor only.  The Fleet Committee voted 8-1 to recommend inclusion of these windshields as part of the standard upfitting.  If approved by the court, we would need to know if ballistic windshields will be replaced in existing units or only if the vehicle is being replaced as it meets replacement criteria.  Some departments have asked for a change order to vehicles recommended for replacement in FY26.  Would this be allowable if the department has the funds to cover the cost?  The total number of fleet affected is roughly 150 units at $3300 per unit or $495K every four years as vehicles meet replacement criteria.  48 of these units have been covered by a grant already.  In addition, the removal of the ballistic windshield and installation of the original windshield would cost nearly $135K.