Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $15,284)
The Burbank Police Department is requesting grant funding to strengthen election security through the acquisition of critical protective equipment and advanced tactical training. As election cycles have increasingly become targets for potential unrest, threats, and acts of violence, it is essential that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to protect both the integrity of the election process and the safety of the public. This grant will enable the purchase of gas masks, gas mask pouches, and provide specialized sniper training to enhance the capabilities of officers tasked with election security.
Gas masks and pouches will ensure officers are equipped to respond to incidents involving hazardous chemicals, airborne toxins, or crowd control situations that may arise at polling locations or other election-related events. Having this personal protective equipment (PPE) will allow officers to maintain operational readiness in environments where chemical irritants or other airborne threats are deployed, ensuring the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the public.
In addition to the protective equipment, the grant will fund sniper training for designated marksmen within the Department. This advanced tactical training will enhance the Department's capacity to respond to high-risk situations, including potential threats to critical election infrastructure or personnel. Sniper training will focus on precision, decision-making under pressure, and coordination with broader security efforts, providing the necessary skill set to neutralize threats from a distance while minimizing risks to public safety.
Together, these investments will bolster the Burbank Police Department’s ability to ensure secure and orderly elections, protect polling locations, and respond to potential threats with the highest level of preparedness. By providing officers with the right equipment and training, the Department will be better positioned to manage election-related incidents, deter violence, and ensure a safe environment for voters, election officials, and the community.