THE BULLETPROOF VEST GRANT PROGRAM

The Bulletproof Vest Program provides local and state governments with 50% of the cost of purchasing a protective vest for law enforcement officers. 

Legislation Supported by ALADS

• ALADS supports H.R.3711, the Cotton' Morgan Bulletproof Vest Act of 2007.  This legislation would eliminate the matching requirement for bulletproof armor vest purchases for officers who work in high security areas and transport inmates.  This legislation is currently pending in the House subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

• ALADS supports full funding for this program in Appropriation bills for the Department of Justice.

Grant Awards for Los Angeles County

• $109,874 in 2007 to purchase 1,938 vests

• $54,415 in 2006 to purchase 1,900 vests

• $189,263 in 2005 to purchase 2578 vests

• $23,078 in 2004 to purchase 1039 vests

• $15,396 in 2002 to purchase 1520 vests

• $114,564 in 2001 to purchase 2310 vests

• $126,396 in 2000 to purchase 3180 vests

• $170,259 in 1999 to purchase 1000 vests

Appropriations

The Fiscal Year 20O8 Omnibus Appropriation Bill, H.R.2764, provided $25,850,000 for the Vest Grant Partnership Program.

Authorization of Grant Program
The Bulletproof Vest Grant Program was reauthorized until 2009 in public law 109-162, as strongly supported by ALADS.