The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) is a program to fund, through reimbursement, up to 50 percent of the cost of each vest purchased or replaced by law enforcement agencies. Vest models purchased must comply with the requirements set by the BVP program. The BVP program requires that at least half of all appropriated funds support applications from jurisdictions with populations under 100,000 people (“small agencies”), with any remaining funds available for applications from jurisdictions over 100,000 people (“large agencies”).

There is currently no fixed date for the announcement of or application for BPV grant funds. Instead, funds availability and application timeframes are sent by e-mail to potential BPV participants. Funds have historically been announced in April with a 30-day application period. Allocations are announced around July 1 of each year, but for 2008 the date is approximately September 1.

Applications are entered online at the BPV site. Potential subgrantees of the state also log on and enter their specific vest requirements. The state level application consists of approval of sub-recipients applications and contact and financial information for the state and electronic certification of assurances.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership website is http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/

LCLE Bulletproof Vest Partnership Administrator Natasha Crocram can be reached at 225.342.1701.