Plainview council backs grant application for bullet‑resistant patrol vehicle glass

Plainview City Council voted Nov. 11 to support a grant application seeking bullet-resistant glass packages for four patrol units.

Chief Derek Watson asked the council to adopt Resolution R25-685 to support an application to the governor's Office of Criminal Justice. He said the department will request about $40,000 to cover the material costs for four vehicles, noting the statewide program had roughly $5 million allocated and that agencies must compete for a limited amount of funding. Watson described testing shown to the media and referenced a Montgomery County demonstration where a windshield withstood multiple rounds.

Council members asked operational questions, including whether damage-repair funding would be available after live incidents; Chief Watson said replacement funding would be sought through the Texas Municipal League or other sources but that he did not know of an automatic warranty for shootings. Watson said the department would outfit its newest units to maximize useful life of the equipment. Councilmember House moved to adopt R25-685 and Councilmember Rascon seconded; the clerk reported a vote of 7 and the resolution was approved.

Chief Watson said the department's application window is short (about eight weeks), so the resolution will be included with the grant submission. Council framed the item as a safety measure aimed at protecting officers.