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Police ask council to fund ballistic shields and helmets; staff to pursue grant options
Summary
The police chief told council the department has two shields and would like additional ballistic shields and helmets; staff said grants and nonprofit avenues exist and will pursue them, but the current budget does not include new equipment purchases.
Lago Vista police representatives told the council the department would like additional ballistic shields and helmets to place on patrol vehicles and make them available each shift. Councilmembers and staff asked police to pursue grant sources; staff noted the current draft budget does not include the requested equipment purchases.
The police chief said the department has two shields on hand and would ideally assign a shield per shift (kept in supervisors’ cars) and maintain two additional check‑out units for officers. Council members asked whether grant programs exist to obtain equipment; staff noted Shield 616 and other nonprofit programs have provided assistance to municipalities and that the department will pursue those grants before recommending direct budget expenditures.
Why it matters: Council members flagged officer and public safety as a priority; they asked police to seek grants and report back with a proposal that shows costs and whether items can be obtained through external funding. The chief confirmed he will pursue grant opportunities and report progress to the council.
Next steps: Police and staff to pursue grants, return with a procurement plan and seek reimbursement or budget amendments if grants are not available.
