City of Charlottesville Police Dept. Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY 2024 - Local Solicitation

If awarded, the City of Charlottesville will use these funds to equip the department’s Special Response Team (SRT) members with Avon Protection C50 protective masks, as well as a KBT Powder Actuated Kinetic Energy Forced Entry Tool.  These items will increase the SRT’s operational readiness, capabilities, and equip the SRT with tools that will increase officer safety as well as further prioritizing the preservation of all life.  The Avon Protection C50 protective mask would allow officers assigned to SRT to better communicate between team members and any non SRT members that are verbally spoken to.  This capability greatly exceeds the current capabilities of the older traditional protective masks issued to officers assigned to SRT.  Furthermore, the KBT forced entry tool would allow SRT members to more quickly make entry through a locked or barricaded doorway.  When conducting an entry during a high-risk operation, this tool aids the officer by decreasing the time spent trying to defeat the mechanisms securing a door.  The more time spent in this danger area can potentially lead to a higher chance of injury or death to an officer.  The KBT forced entry tool can decrease time spent in doorways and increase officer safety.  The KBT forced entry tool can also aid the SRT by decreasing the time it takes to make entry where there is an imminent or immediate threat to the safety of innocent life.  These purchases would increase safety for officers and the community it serves.