WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to enhance public safety and help Rhode Island law enforcement agencies purchase lifesaving ballistic vests, U.S. Senator Jack Reed helped pass the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act this week.  The bipartisan bill, which Reed cosponsored, would extend through 2020 the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP).  The BVP contributes up to 50 percent of the cost for lifesaving vests for state and local law enforcement officers.

Ballistic vests are designed to withstand the impact of a variety of bullets, as well as assaults from sharp weapons or blunt force trauma.

In fiscal year 2014, 17 jurisdictions in Rhode Island received $100,627.55 in BVP grants.  In 2013, Rhode Island law enforcement agencies were awarded $99,148.96 for these vests.

“Our police officers deserve to be protected while they are serving and protecting the public.  These vests are very effective at preventing injuries and saving lives.  I am pleased we were able to get bipartisan consensus to better equip police officers in Rhode Island and nationwide,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees BVP funding.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, and the grants awarded provide matching funds to local law enforcement for protective vests.  The Senate-passed legislation would improve the grant program by incentivizing law enforcement agencies to purchase vests that are individually fitted for officers.  Having a ballistic vest that fits well is important to providing the best protection to law enforcement officers.

Rhode Island law enforcement agencies typically receive about $100,000 annually in federal BVP funds to help local police departments and law enforcement agencies purchase the vests.  In the past several years, communities benefitting from the program include: Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Charlestown, Coventry, Cumberland, East Providence, Glocester, Jamestown, Johnston, Lincoln, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Richmond, South Kingstown, Smithfield, Tiverton, Warwick, West Greenwich, and West Warwick.

Now that the bill has been approved by the U.S. Senate, it must be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives before it can be signed into law by President Obama.

Supporters of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program include the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Tactical Officers Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.

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