Submitted By: Lyn Cole
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-141 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to appropriate funds from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax Reserve for Fund Balance account to purchase a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle in the amount of $378,165
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team encounters threats and high-risk situations that demand a significant level of protection, such as active shooter incidents, hostage rescues, and barricade standoffs. An armored vehicle enables the team to respond safely to these high-risk scenarios and provides necessary cover during potentially dangerous operations.
The dual-sworn (deputized) team has seen an increase in warrant services conducted outside city limits. In 2021, one out of 15 search warrants were executed in the county. This number rose to three out of 16 in 2023 and further increased to eight out of 15 in 2024. These figures are primarily driven by investigations related to Internet Crimes Against Children. County operations often take place in environments that differ significantly from city policing, including areas accessible only via dirt or sugar sand roads, where off-road capabilities are essential.
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) has a long-standing agreement with the Marion County Sheriff's Office that allows their SWAT teams to support each other when one team is unavailable. The OPD SWAT team has responded to several callouts in areas such as Salt Springs and the Florida Highlands, which feature rural terrain far from paved roads. This highlights the importance of having off-road capabilities.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The BearCat is designed to reduce the risk to both officers and civilians during high-risk situations. This vehicle offers secu...
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