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Council accepts donated Grappler bumper system for police pursuits
Summary
The City accepted a donated Grappler bumper system (donor Frank's Towing and Repair / John Picante) with initial training and two nets; council approved Resolution 807‑25 authorizing acceptance and installation support from a vendor.
Police staff described a donated Grappler bumper system and asked the council to accept the gift for the Navasota Police Department. Police staff described the device as an attachable bumper system designed to slow fleeing vehicles by deploying a net to engage a rear tire and a tether to the patrol vehicle.
Chief Mike (presenting) said the donor, Frank's Towing and Repair (named in the resolution as the donor) offered to cover the cost of the unit and that a vendor would provide installation and training. Staff said the donation package includes the bumper unit, training for one officer and two operational nets; replacement nets cost approximately $325 each.
The council voted to accept Resolution 807‑25 authorizing acceptance of the donation. Staff noted policy and training would be required before use and that the device has limits (not intended for semi‑tractors or very large commercial vehicles and with a recommended operational upper speed observed in vendor materials). Council members said the device may reduce high‑speed pursuit risks and supplement spike strips and other alternatives.
The motion to accept the donation carried with no recorded opposition. Staff will work with the vendor and the donor to schedule training and finalize policies for deployment.
