Item 16 - Ford Police Interceptor Utility K-9 Vehicle Purchase

Home Browse Search

Public Works Agency www.santa-ana.org/pw Item # 16 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report January 18, 2022 TOPIC: Ford Police Interceptor Utility K-9 Vehicle Purchase AGENDA TITLE: Award a Purchase Order to Wondries Fleet Group for Three Ford Police Interceptor K-9 Utility Vehicles in the Amount of $126,616 (Specification No. 21-094) (Non-General Fund) RECOMMENDED ACTION Authorize a one-time purchase and payment of purchase order to Wondries Fleet Group for the purchase of three Ford Police Interceptor K-9 Utility vehicles for the Santa Ana Police Department, for a total amount not to exceed $126,616, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney. DISCUSSION The Santa Ana Police Department Canine Unit utilizes police service dogs trained specifically to assist with different patrol functions. The police service dogs serve as a valuable officer safety resource during tactical and high-risk situations. The police service dogs are used to find and apprehend violent suspects, providing officers with additional safety options when apprehending a suspect. In addition to enforcement duties, the Canine Unit performs public relation activities that enhance the crucial bond between the Police Department and community members. During public events, community members are able to “meet-and-greet” the police service dogs and observe live bite and detection demonstrations. Currently, the Santa Ana Police Department Canine Unit has six apprehension canines, a bloodhound, a narcotics detection dog, and a therapeutic dog. Two of the vehicles used by these K-9 Officers have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled to be replaced. K-9 Officers utilize Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles (similar to Ford Explorers) as the standard vehicle for its operations. Additionally, a third vehicle is needed to accommodate the donation of a new K-9. These vehicles are equipped with grille LED lighting, siren and speaker pre-wiring, rear auxiliary lighting, and other features designed to keep our officers safe. They are different from standard patrol vehicles in that they include rear air conditioning to keep the dogs safe and comfortable. Once the vehicles are received, they are equipped with the required radios, mobile digital computers, light bars, and additional equipment. It is expected that the new vehicles will go into service in summer/fall 2022.