Police chief: ammunition costs are ‘through the roof’; department weighing simulators and bulk buys

Police Chief Bobby Raider told the Measures H and I oversight committee that ammunition prices have “gone through the roof,” and described several steps the department is pursuing to manage training expenses.

“Price of ammo is through the roof,” Raider said, adding that the department is looking for vendors, negotiating bulk buys and considering different purchasing cadences to capture savings. He said staff are also reviewing the frequency and type of training to ensure officers get the highest-value instruction while reducing unnecessary live-fire expenditures.

Raider described simunitions and mobile simulators as high-value training tools that enable realistic decision-making and de-escalation practice without live ammunition, but he cautioned they have significant upfront costs. He said the department does not currently own that equipment but is exploring shared arrangements with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and hopes to acquire simunitions as funds allow.

Committee members and staff discussed storage and procurement concerns for large purchases and emphasized that any bulk contracting must remain competitive and transparent to avoid procurement issues. The chair and the chief agreed to continue exploring cost-saving options and to return with details as staff develop proposals.