SHERIFF'S OFFICE - D. THOMPSON

Authorize Sheriff to accept "Peacekeeper" armored vehicle, free of charge, through the California Public Safety Procurement Program, and amend Sheriff's Schedule of Fixed Assets to include "Peacekeeper" armored vehicle.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 110

Request to receive and integrate an armored vehicle, also known as a “Peacekeeper”   into the Sheriff’s vehicle fleet.

The purpose and justification for this free vehicle is straightforward. It provides safety for first responders who must respond to situations where active aggressive criminal acts such as shootings are occurring or could be occurring. The purpose of the response is primarily the rescue of victims, and the safe delivery of emergency responders to contain or stop the unfolding violent event.

 A Peacekeeper is an armored personnel carrier built on a commercial truck chassis.  This particular vehicle is being sought and ultimately allotted to us via the California Public Safety Procurement Program, which is a state controlled military surplus distribution program. This equipment comes from military surplus equipment available for redeployment; this particular vehicle usually comes from the United States Air Force.   The vehicle would be on loan to us for as long as the program would allow, subject to the equipment being recalled, re-assigned, or we have no further use for it. The vehicle is on loan and FREE of charge. We would be responsible for up-keep, periodic maintenance and mechanical repair if and when needed. We have been waiting for a Peacekeeper since 2016 when a military veteran set up an ambush for our patrol deputies. Although we deduced that something was suspicious, our deputies were exposed to a situation where they were out-gunned and did not have the proper protection to respond to ensure safety.

 There is currently a vehicle ready for redeployment that has been offered to us. We are seeking permission to acquire it. The vehicle available is said to be in “decent” running condition. Competition to acquire one of these vehicles is spirited. Time is of the essence.

 Approximately 700 of these vehicles were produced in the 1970’s through 1980’s.Many have been re-deployed to front line law enforcement. The vehicle is produced on a Dodge truck platform and maintenance can be performed by a shop that works on American produced trucks.

The vehicle is up armored via armor plating that enables it to stop all hand gun rounds and many rifle calibers to include AR-15, .223 calibers, and AK-47 rounds7.62 x39mm. It also will defeat a shot gun.

On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, we are responsible for providing mutual aid to any agency in the county requesting it. This would give us some capacity while we request more assistance from surrounding counties.

Thank you for your consideration.

1). Authorize Sheriff to accept "Peacekeeper" armored vehicle, obtained through the California Public Safety Procurement Program at no cost to the County;

2). Amend Sheriff's Schedule of Fixed Assets to include "Peacekeeper" armored vehcile; and

3).  Authorize Sheriff or his designee to sign documents required to procure said vehicle.