TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Anthony Conrad, Police Chief
PREPARED BY: Stephanie Lawson, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Big Tex Ordnance Budget Appropriation
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Appropriate $85,000 in the budget to 4030030-64200 for the purchase of sound suppressors for the Police Department.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
Approximately 80 to 85 of the Police Department’s sworn personnel currently utilize an authorized M4/AR-15 patrol rifle in the course of their duties. Firing a patrol rifle produces approximately 160 decibels of sound pressure, a level expected to cause permanent hearing damage and possible momentary disorientation for any persons in close proximity. A sound suppressor fits onto the muzzle end of a firearm to capture and reduce sound pressure.
In 2020, department personnel evaluated a variety of sound suppressors for use on SWAT team M4 rifles. The SureFire SOCOM series was assessed as a durable, effective, high-quality suppressor from a reputable manufacturer and was selected for full-time use. The Murrieta PD SWAT unit currently uses sixteen SureFire suppressors on their rifles. Since adopting the suppressors, SWAT personnel have noted a significant reduction in noise exposure and concussive overpressure during frequent training events and expect to see the same substantial benefits during operational use.
With this purchase, the Police Department seeks to equip all of the remaining patrol rifles with suppressors to achieve the same benefits that sound reduction offers. In compliance with the City’s purchasing guidelines, staff requested quotes for SureFire SOCOM suppressors from three vendors. The results were:
• SureFire at $82,576.05;
• Big Tex Ordnance at $81,594.21; and
• Rainier Arms at $89,598.65.
Big Tex Ordnance was selected because they provided the lowest cost quote.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department requests that an expenditure budget of $85,000 be appropriated to the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget in account number 4030030-64200.
ATTACHMENTS
1) Quote - Big Tex Ordnance
2) Quote - SureFire, LLC
3) Quote - Rainier Arms