Primary Department: Sheriff
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Gonzalez
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): 5433101
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Office of the Governor/Criminal Justice Division
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by the Sheriff’s Office for approval to submit an application to the Office of the Governor/Criminal Justice Division, for grant funds in the amount of $3,630,000, with no required match, for the FY26 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program.
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Background and Discussion:
This project aims to address this critical gap by outfitting Deputy and Armed Officers with advanced, rifle-resistant body armor that can withstand the impact of high-powered firearms. The armor will be tailored to meet the unique demands of their daily duties, ensuring both mobility and maximum protection. By equipping them with state-of-the-art protective gear, we will significantly reduce the potential for injury, improve overall safety on the streets and detention facilities, and enhance policing confidence in their ability to respond to threats. This grant would fund the purchase of rifle-resistant body armor for 2,420 licensed peace officers. The grant period is September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.
Expected Impact:
This project will follow a systematic approach to develop, test, produce, and distribute the armor, incorporating industry best practices, expert collaborations, and evaluations throughout. By following this approach, the Harris County Sheriff's Office will successfully equip all Certified Deputies and Armed Detention Officers with the necessary rifle-resistant body armor to ensure their safety and readiness in high-risk scenarios. This project will directly contribute to a safer workplace and a more effective law enforcement presence in Harris County. This grant would enable the Sheriff’s Office to equip its officers with rifle-resistant body armor.
Alternative Options:
Not applying for this grant would forfeit the opportunity to receive rifle-resistant body armor for our deputies.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: A: Reduce violent crime across the County.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): A4: Improve safety through targeted pursuit of violent crime suspects.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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FY 2026 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor |
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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
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$3,630,000 |
$3,630,000 |
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Anticipated Court Date: 3/27/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 9/1/2025
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Brian Schmitz, Grants Manager, Sheriff’s Office
Attachments (if applicable): FY 2026 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Notice of Funding Availability, Submitted Application, Resolution