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Council authorizes purchase of NIJ‑certified rifle plates after previous vendor’s plates tested as inadequate
Summary
Council approved a $17,457 purchase of NIJ‑certified rifle armor plates for the police department after investigations found earlier plates were imported and failed testing. The state attorney general has filed suit against the former seller.
Brecksville City Council approved purchasing National Institute of Justice (NIJ)‑certified rifle armor plates for the police department on May 6, replacing plates the department had earlier acquired that subsequently failed testing.
Background: The council’s safety and services committee heard that the city bought rifle plates in 2021 from a vendor then marketing plates as "made in America." Chief Prennick reported that federal investigators found the plates had been imported from China and many failed NIJ testing or local evaluations. The original seller is under federal indictment and the Ohio Attorney General has sued affiliated parties, the chief said.
What council approved: The administration requested and council approved an ordinance authorizing purchase of replacement plates through the State of Ohio Administrative Services purchasing program. The approved purchase price was $17,457, below the $30,000 the city had budgeted for replacements. The department said it will try to recover funds or restitution through ongoing legal actions but does not expect full recovery.
Why it matters: The replacement ensures officers have NIJ‑certified protective equipment; the committee described the procurement as time‑sensitive and noted available sale pricing reduced the immediate budget impact.
Outcome and funding: The ordinance authorizing purchase was passed by council at the meeting. The department said it will pursue restitution from the vendor as part of federal and state legal actions and will use the State purchasing program vendor (Red Diamond Supply/Omega Plus described in committee) to supply NIJ‑certified plates.
Quotes: Chief Prennick summarized the investigative findings and said, "we elected to keep these plates in service with the something is better than nothing," adding the department had been working to replace the plates and pursue restitution. The department noted grant funds were used for the original purchase, and the Ohio attorney general is pursuing legal action.
