2026 10 20 Council Meeting Packet

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City of Athens 
The Police Department would like to apply for the Bureau of Justice Assistance Rural Violent Crime 
Reduction Initiative. This opportunity supports local law enforcement in rural jurisdictions to prevent, respond to, 
and reduce violent crime. The goal is to equip rural law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices with the 
resources necessary to implement a violent crime reduction strategy to solve a specific violent crime challenge. 
The police department plans to use this grant to purchase an armored vehicle for the department . This 
equipment would allow the department to acquire a non-existing asset that is necessary for officer safety. 
Law enforcement officers routinely encounter situations that present significant risks to both public safety 
and officer safety, including armed barricades, active threats, high-risk warrant service, and incidents involving 
violent individuals. Tactical equipment and vehicles provide critical protection that enables officers to respond more 
effectively while reducing the likelihood of serious injury or loss of life.
 An armored vehicle is necessary to protect 
officers and civilians during situations high-risk incidents like those described above. These vehicles provide 
ballistic protection and allow trained personnel to approach or evacuate people from dangerous areas while reducing 
exposure to gunfire and other hazards. They can also provide a safer means of transporting injured people or office rs 
away from an active threat. 
An armored vehicle can also improve a department’s ability to respond to emergencies that exceed the 
capabilities of ordinary patrol cars. During major incidents, it can serve as a protected platform for rescue 
operations, evacuation, and coordination while helping officers maintain a safer distance from potential threats. 
Although expensive, an armored vehicle can be a valuable public-safety resource when its use is limited to 
legitimate, high-risk situations and governed by clear policies, training, and accountability. 
Investing in modern tactical equipment demonstrates a commitment to preparedness, risk management, and 
responsible public safety operations. Properly equipped officers are better positioned to respond to rapidly evolving 
critical incidents while minimizing unnecessary exposure to danger. This equipment supports specialized operations 
as well as patrol officers who may be the first to arrive at high-risk scenes before specialized units are available. 
Ensuring that personnel have access to appropriate protective equipment enhances operational effectiveness, 
improves officer confidence, and helps the department fulfill its mission of safeguarding the community while 
prioritizing the safety of officers and the public. 
The grant applications are currently being accepted and will be through October 30, 2026 . No local match 
is required; the maximum award is $250,000. The department intends to seek the amount necessary to fund the 
armored vehicle not to exceed $250,000. 
815 North Jackson Street 
Athens, Tennessee 37303 
www.cityofathenstn.com 
423-744-2730
Fax 423-744-8868
police@cityofathenstn.com Fred Schultz 
Chief of Police 
 
3
Work Session 
October 12, 2026