Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $269,166 Grant Application for the acquisition of a new virtual reality training system and a full-time employee to support the Buckeye

4.M
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 10/21/25
AGENDA ITEM: 4.M. FIN - US
Department of Justice, Office of
Community Oriented Policing Services -
FY25 Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-
Escalation and Crisis Response Training
for Law Enforcement Grant Application
DATE PREPARED: 10/16/25
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager, rroach@buckeyeaz.gov,
(623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $269,166 Grant Application for the
acquisition of a new virtual reality training system and a full-time employee to support the Buckeye Police
Department's Training Division; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and
City Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of said Grant Application.
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Grant Application in the amount of $269,166 is for the purpose of acquiring a new Virtual Reality
training system that includes additional de-escalation use-of-force tools such as a Bola Wrap, pepper
spray, rifle and Glock handgun--better reflecting real-world scenarios and enhancing de-escalation
outcomes. The system can also be used for dispatcher training. Funding is also sought for a civilian
training position focused on crisis response. If awarded, the items funded will enhance and support the
BPD's goal of community and officer safety through de-escalation and non-violent conflict resolution. 
BENEFITS:
The virtual training simulator will provide BPD officers and personnel with immersive, real-life scenarios
that strengthen their ability to effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health, behavioral, or
suicidal crises. By simulating diverse, evolving situations that adapt to officers' actions, the training
enhances decision-making, communication, and de-escalation skills, ultimately reducing the likelihood of
force being used. This tool will benefit not only all sworn officers but also dispatchers, code enforcement
staff, victim advocates, and other civilian personnel who frequently interact with the public. With the
addition of a certified De-escalation and Crisis Response Training Coordinator, training will extend
beyond law enforcement to include local schools, churches, and community organizations fostering a
more compassionate, prepared, and collaborative response to those in crisis. Together, these efforts will
improve officer readiness, strengthen community trust, and ensure safer outcomes for vulnerable
individuals.
FUTURE ACTION:
If the Grant is awarded, the Grant Award Agreement will be presented to Council for acceptance and
approval. The BPD will implement the virtual training simulator to provide realistic crisis intervention
scenarios for all sworn personnel and expand training to civilian staff, dispatchers, and eventually
community partners. It will also fund 24 months of salary and benefits for the civilian training position
and, once the grant funds have been expended, the position may be eliminated, absorbed in the BPD's
General Fund, or the Grants Team may identify other sources of funding to support the position.

FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Federal grant portion is $269,166, with $0 match from the City of Buckeye. The total project cost is
$269,166. The de-escalation equipment will most likely require minimal maintenance costs in future
years. The grant will fund salary and benefits for the civilian training position for 24 months, and once the
grant funds have been expended, the position may be eliminated, absorbed in the BPD's General Fund,
or the Grants Team may identify other sources of funding to support the position.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
It is expected that all costs will be covered by the grant in the current fiscal year. Buckeye estimates that
the Virtual Reality training system and the civilian training position will cost $269,166. However, if it costs
more than $269,166, Buckeye will fund the excess from its General Fund budget.
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2026-2028
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
35732121-523012/Police
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
CAR Recap Summary_Safer Outcomes Enhancing De-escalation_ Application - FINAL.docx
Budget Narrative.docx
Proposal Abstract.docx
JustGrants Questions.docx