ADMINISTRATION - Chris Olson, Police Chief
Title
FIREARMS SIGHTING SYSTEMS PURCHASE
Background
On January 20, 2016 The Blaine Police Department became aware of concerns regarding the holographic sighting systems which were purchased and mounted on all of the department issued rifles over the last several years. These issues were initially disclosed to us by the sight manufacturer/vendor. Although the manufacturer initially indicated it would offer us a full refund, including shipping and handling, we are now unable to make direct contact with the manufacturer.
The FBI Ballistics Lab in Quantico, Virginia has been contacted and they did confirm some of the issues with the sights. Some of these issues of concern relate to temperature changes, which in Minnesota could have an impact on the reliability of these sighting systems.
We immediately removed these sighting systems from our rifles. All Blaine Police Officers have been trained on all aspects of the firearms and different sighting systems and all rifles currently in use only contain the iron sights, which for the long term is not the best solution.
A significant amount of research was done on these sights and they were considered the “cream of the crop”. These sights were widely used among LE agencies all over the country and in the U.S Military. We believe there are various stages of settlement and/or litigation occurring with the manufacturer due to the issues with this sighting system.
Ideally, it would be best to receive a refund for the returned sighting systems and move forward with purchasing another sighting system as soon as practical. Unfortunately, we now have reason to doubt that we will be able to recover the original purchase costs through the requisition process. It is more likely we may become entangled in a lengthy legal settlement/ litigation process.
It is imperative that we properly outfit our officers with the equipment necessary to do their job, to do it well and to do so in a timely manner. We have conducted additional research, and relying on the expertise from Quantico and other law enforcement entities, we have identified another sighting system. The Police Department is requesting from the City Council a 2016 Capital Budget amendment so as to allow for the purchase of a new sighting system for our rifles, as soon as practical.
The $25,000 amendment would be for the entire purchase of these new sighting systems. Working with the City Attorney, we would continue to try and recover a refund or damages related to the current vendors’ issues. Unfortunately, the lengthy legal process may take us well beyond this calendar year. In the event we recover damages, those revenues would be returned to the City of Blaine.
Recommendation
By motion authorize the expenditure of up to $25,000 to purchase the sights from Clyde Armory and adopt the following resolution to amend the 2016 Capital Budget by the same amount.
Body
WHEREAS, sound budgeting principles promote appropriating necessary funds required to accomplish approved objectives; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Capital Budget was adopted in December 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department has recently determined an issue impacting the sighting systems on some of the Department’s firearms; and
WHEREAS, it was determined it was necessary to immediately remove these sighting systems; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department needs to properly equip its officers with the appropriate equipment; and
WHEREAS, these sighting systems are a crucial component of the firearms; and
WHEREAS, this was an unexpected expenditure; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of the new sighting systems will require a Capital Budget amendment of $25,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Blaine amends the 2016 Capital Fund Budget, and authorizes the City Manager to amend the budget as follows:
• REVENUE: Debt Proceeds 410.00.000-3934 in the amount of $25,000
• EXPENDITURES: Safety Services, Police Patrol, Sight Systems 410.40.460.462-4580 in the amount of $25,000
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 4th day of February, 2016.