Title
Consider and take action on a resolution in support of the Police Department to submit a grant proposal to the Governor’s Office to seek funding through the FY2026 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSP) to support the agency’s acquisition of two armored 1-ton pickup trucks to enhance officer safety and improve the department’s ability to effectively respond to active threat and high-risk incidents (Chief of Police)
Background:
Approval of this item will allow the Police Department to submit a grant proposal to the Governor’s Office to seek funding through the FY2026 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSP) to support the agency’s acquisition of two armored 1-ton pickup trucks to enhance officer safety and improve the department’s ability to effectively respond to active threat and high-risk incidents.
The Governor’s Office is soliciting grant applications for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - Competitive National Priority Area Projects for Federal Fiscal Year 2026. According to the grant announcement, the purpose of this program is to support state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and targeted violence and prepare for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas citizens. The program provides funding to build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.
The League City Police Department is requesting approval to submit a grant application to acquire two armored 1-ton pickup trucks ($450,000.00) to enhance officer safety and strengthen the department’s ability to respond to active threat and other high-risk incidents. These vehicles would provide ballistic protection for officers and civilians during critical incidents involving armed suspects, active shooter events, or other violent threats. The armored trucks would allow officers to safely approach, extract injured victims, deploy specialized personnel, and establish secure perimeters while minimizing exposure to hostile fire.
In addition to active threat response, these vehicles could be utilized by warrant service teams during high-risk operations and deployed in a low-profile capacity while still maintaining a high level of security at large public events such as the City’s Fourth of July Celebration, Holiday in the Park Parade, and other community gatherings. From an outward appearance, the trucks look like any other large pickup truck operating within the community, allowing them to blend into normal traffic patterns while still providing enhanced ballistic protection. The plain clothes Street Crimes Unit would also benefit from the ability to safely follow, stop, and interdict suspects involved in organized crime organizations, particularly in situations where there is a heightened risk of armed confrontation. Unlike traditional armored vehicles, these trucks operate the same as standard pickup trucks and require no specialized operator training, allowing personnel to seamlessly integrate them into daily operations while maintaining enhanced protective capabilities.
Currently, officers responding to high-risk scenes must rely on standard patrol vehicles that do not provide ballistic protection, creating unnecessary risk when operating in dynamic and potentially life-threatening environments. The addition of armored vehicles would significantly improve operational coordination, response capabilities, overall officer safety, and support homeland security objectives related to terrorism prevention, interdiction, and response.
This grant does not require matching funds; however, the City of League City would be responsible for initially purchasing the vehicles and subsequently seeking reimbursement from the State if the grant is awarded.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Grant opportunity
3. Grant Application Pre-Approval Form
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
FUNDING
{x} A budget amendment will be required to increase revenue funding $450,000 in the State grant revenue account #0100-48050 and increase the Police Vehicle account 2100000-55520 by the same amount for the purchase.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor - Safe and Desirable Community