FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 06, 2003
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/PAUL TODD (202) 225-6161

Justice Department seeking applications for Bulletproof Vest Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced today that it is now accepting applications from state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Administered by BJA, the Program’s purpose is to help equip local law enforcement officers with armor vests to help keep them safe while on duty.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 authorizes $25 million a year for the Program. Law enforcement jurisdictions with populations under 100,000 have priority for funding, but general purpose law enforcement agencies of cities and counties, Native American tribes, states and territories are eligible to apply. The local agencies’ Chief Executive Officer determines the agencies needs and can request Federal funds to cover half of the cost of one vest per law enforcement officer.

The application and award process is an online process. The entire application process will be completed via the Internet. Applications must be completed by May 2, 2003. For more information and to apply, qualified law enforcement agencies can visit http://vests.ojp.gov. Agencies can call 1-877-758-3787 for technical support.
 

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