Bel Air approves purchase of vests, seeks grant for bullet‑resistant vehicle glass for patrol fleet

The Bel Air City Council on Nov. 3 authorized the city to buy bullet‑resistant vests and approved a resolution to seek state grant funds to retrofit patrol vehicles with bullet‑resistant glass.

The council authorized the city manager to sign documents for the purchase of bullet‑resistant vests from GT Distributors, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $74,391.20, and agreed to amend the FY2026 vehicle, equipment and technology fund so the city can front the purchase pending grant reimbursement.

Chief Mel Lopez told the council the vests purchase and the grant application for vehicle retrofits respond to an earlier on‑duty shooting: “Back in 2018, we had one of our officers involved in a shooting where a violator started off as a simple traffic stop ... the shots went through the windshield and struck the radar right in front of where the officer was sitting,” Lopez said, explaining the operational need for improved glazing.

Council also adopted a resolution authorizing application for the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division grant that would fund bullet‑resistant components for law enforcement vehicles. Chief Lopez said the department plans to retrofit eight existing vehicles if awarded. Staff noted the grant closing date is Nov. 20 and that retrofits will be phased so the fleet is not taken off patrol simultaneously.

The council approved both measures unanimously. Staff said the vests purchase is a reimbursement grant purchase, so the city must appropriate funds now and submit for reimbursement when grant funds are received.