HomeMy WebLinkAbout25 - Purchase of Tasers for Police OfficersCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 25
June 13, 2006
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Police Department
Tom Gazsi, Lieutenant, 644 3660, tgazsi @nbpd.org
Bob McDonell, Chief of Police, 644 3701, bmcdonell @nbpd.org
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL TASERS TO FULLY
EQUIP ALL UNIFORMED FIELD POLICE OFFICERS WITH THE
DEVICE
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the sole source purchase of 43, X -26 Tasers and replacement
cartridges in the amount of $39,191.00 to fully equip uniformed field personnel
with this less lethal device.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The Taser was initially deployed in each of the Police Department's 31 marked
police units and was shared by officers by virtue of their respectively assigned
units. The availability of the tool proved to be valuable in events where the use
of force was necessary and justified. The device renders a combative suspect
momentarily incapacitated while offering a potential alternative to other weapons
such as a baton, oleoresin capsicum spray, physical force, or possibly a firearm.
The nature of the device requires monitoring the electrical power charge, the
single discharge cartridge, and general maintenance. As such, there is a
significant benefit in issuing the device personally to each uniformed field officer.
This occurs with firearms, batons, portable radios, and other equipment to insure
proper maintenance and ultimately the successful operation of the devices under
critical circumstances.
The funding for the additional devices will allow for the current inventory to be
issued to each officer and the additional devices to complete issuance to all
police officers assigned to the field. The sole source for the device in California
Additional Taser Purchase
June 13, 2006
Page 2
is Pro Force in Brea. The Taser brand is unique and significantly recognized as
the state -of- the -art system. As such, our personnel have been trained with this
specific device. For continuity of performance and training, it is requested that
Taser remain the tool of choice.
Environmental Review: None
Funding Availability:
This purchase will be made from the Patrol Capital Equipment Account #1830-
9300.
Prepared by:
Z L�
Tom Gazsi, Lieutenant
Support Services Commander
Approved by:
Bob McDonell
CHIEF OF POLICE