Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing City of Killeen officials to submit the grant application for the Fiscal Year 2026 Bullet-Resistant Components for Law Enforcement Vehicles Grant and to accept any subsequently awarded grant.
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DATE: January 6, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: FY 2026 Grant Application for Bullet Resistant Vehicle Components
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Policing is widely accepted as a dangerous profession, with research showing a high percentage of officers killed or injured in the line of duty suffering those injuries as a result of gun violence. This violence often occurs during ambush attacks, on traffic stops, and when interacting with people experiencing mental health crises. Recent examples in Killeen have underscored the reality of the risk officers face in the performance of their duties, to include the risk of firearm assaults while inside and nearby their police vehicles. Additional efforts are necessary to supplement the ballistic protection we provide our first responders in the field.
In FY 25-26, The Office of the Governor made available a one-year grant, for the purpose of installing bullet-resistant components in police vehicles. The Killeen Police Department would like to apply for it. If awarded, this grant will allow the Department to install bullet-resistant windshields, side windows and door panels in up to 50 vehicles. The vehicles identified to receive this protection are marked units assigned to officers engaged in traffic enforcement/investigation, violent crime interdiction, downtown law enforcement, and community engagement/ homeless outreach. The Office of the Governor requires a resolution authorizing the City Manager or Director of Finance to apply for the grant, and council approval is also required to accept any subsequent award.
In the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the City agrees to return all funds to the Office of the Governor in full.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
None
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms to City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The grant period is March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027. The total grant request is $467,150, with no City match required.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One-time expenditure.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
No.
If not, where will the money come from?
If the grant is awarded, a budget amendment will be required.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Upon Council approval of the associated budget amendment, both the grant revenue and the expenditure will be appropriated in the Police Department’s Law Enforcement Grant Fund (Fund 270).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager, or the Executive Director of Finance, to submit and modify or cancel as necessary the FY 2026 Bullet Resistant Vehicle Component grant application 5650701 from the Office of the Governor, and to accept or reject any subsequently awarded grant, including the authority to sign all necessary documents related to the grant.
In addition, staff recommends permitting the Police Department to administer all duties associated with the grant, under the oversight of the City’s Finance Department.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Application
Presentation