The Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is making $25 million available to help law enforcement agencies pay for bulletproof vests. The application deadline for fiscal year 2003 is May 2.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program provides funding for up to half the cost of bulletproof vests. The program provides priority funding for jurisdictions with populations under 100,000. Each jurisdiction may purchase one vest per officer per year, and all vests must meet standards developed by OJP's National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Jurisdictions are also able to apply for funding to purchase stab-resistant vest models that are approved by NIJ. To apply or to find out more about the program, visit www.http://vests.ojp.gov.