COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

 

DATE:

September 20, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 8, 2002

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley

SUBJECT:
Acceptance of a Donation for the Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
 

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to accept a donation from an anonymous donor of safety equipment for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, with a total value of approximately $50,194.52.

 

Background

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team provide a ready response to situations that are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained law enforcement personnel.

During terrorist incidents, local fire, health services, hazardous material units, and bomb squads attempt to control and mitigate the consequences of the incident. These entities possess technical expertise in their specialized field. However, they will rely on SWAT for suspect apprehension, crowd control, evacuation, evidence collection, crime scene control, follow-up search/arrest warrant service, and detention of quarantined persons.

The millennium poses new challenges for our society. It is regrettably evident that hostage crises, unprovoked mass shootings and acts of terrorism will continue to flourish. The Sheriff's SWAT Team will have a significant role in response to these incidents and should be fully equipped to meet that challenge.

 

Discussion

A member of the community, who wishes to remain anonymous, has indicated a desire, and commenced initial steps with manufacturers, to purchase several new pieces of equipment and supplies for the Sheriff'' Office SWAT Team. The donated items consist of:

      * 19 Wilson Combat 45 cal. Tactical Pistols

      * .45 caliber ammunition

      * 18 Basket weave Duty Holsters

      * 18 Tactical Holsters, Lights & ASPs

      * 2 Chandler M40 Precision Rifles

      * .50 caliber ammunition

      * 18 Blade-Tec Concealment holsters

This equipment and associated supplies has a value of approximately$50,194.52 and will greatly enhance the Sheriff's Office SWAT Team's capability to provide a ready response to situations that are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained law enforcement personnel.

 

Vision Alignment

Acceptance of this donation aligns with the Vision 2010 Commitment No. 7, in that this vital equipment will enhance the ability of law enforcement to protect innocent persons and apprehend and neutralize dangerous and violent individuals, in order to provide a safe community for all residents in San Mateo County.

 

Fiscal Impact

There is no cost associated with this donation. The equipment will be maintained by existing SWAT personnel. Therefore, there is no impact on net County cost.

County Counsel has approved as to form.