Salina Police Secure Grant for Advanced Breaching Tool

Salina, KS – The Salina Police Department has recently addressed a critical gap in their operational capabilities by acquiring new breaching equipment designed to enhance officer safety and efficiency during high-risk situations. This move comes after years of reliance on manual breaching tools, such as rams and sledgehammers, which, while effective, have limitations, particularly when dealing with reinforced or barricaded doors.

The necessity for quicker and more effective breaching methods became evident as the department recognized the dangers posed to officers during prolonged breaching attempts. In high-risk scenarios, every second counts, and reducing the time it takes to gain entry into a secured structure not only improves officer safety but also allows for faster assistance to potential victims and minimizes the time suspects have to react.

After exploring various alternatives, including explosive breaching, which was ultimately deemed unfeasible due to its risks, costs, and training requirements, the department identified the Kinetic Breaching Tool (KBT) as the solution. The KBT operates using a .45 caliber blank cartridge to deploy a hardened steel ram, effectively destroying door locking mechanisms without the risks associated with explosives. The tool is equipped with an 8-shot cylindrical magazine, allowing for multiple impacts if necessary.

The KBT has already seen success in other police agencies, proving to be an extremely effective tool in the field. The Salina Police Department's acquisition of the KBT, with a purchase price of $12,733, was made possible through preliminary grant funding from the North Central Kansas Homeland Security Council. These funds will become available in the fall of 2025, with the equipment set to be purchased during the 2025 fiscal year.

This acquisition marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of Salina's officers and the effectiveness of their operations in high-risk situations.