City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: 12/20/05

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the Police Department’s purchase of 24 Pro-Tec Trimax Tactical Ballistic Body Armor vests from Streicher’s at a total cost of $54,456.

Background: The ERU team currently has 6 tactical ballistic vests whose 5-year warranty expired in 2005. It is necessary to replace these vests. In addition, it is imperative to equip the entire ERU team (17 members), along with the Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit (5 firefighters) and the K-9 Unit (2 members) with the adequate protection needed during tactical operations. 

We consider the Pro-Tec Trimax Tactical brand of vest as proprietary in that they are unique in design with an expanded coverage and exo-skeleton which is designed to withstand multiple-round hits. This brand will not “bunch up” with multiple hits and thereby losing valuable square inches of body coverage during an assault.

Fiscal Impact:  The cost for 24 Pro-Tec Trimax Tactical Vests—including shoulder/throat/upper arm/groin protection, POLICE I.D patches, and a 6-pouch modular system—is $2,269 each, for a total cost of $54,456. This item was approved as part of the CEP program in the 2006 budget.

Prepared by:

Thomas P. Bauer

Chief of Police

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk