Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly helped the Senate pass the bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act, legislation that he cosponsored, which would extend through 2020 a program that helps local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests.
Donnelly said, “I was proud to help the Senate pass reauthorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program because it is important to state and local law enforcement in Indiana. Law enforcement officers can face very dangerous situations while serving in the line of duty, and these protective vests can help prevent injury and even save lives. I hope the House will quickly pass this legislation, so we can continue to help in the purchasing of this life-saving equipment.”
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program is administered by the Department of Justice, and the grants awarded provide matching funds to local law enforcement for protective vests. This legislation would improve the grant program by incentivizing agencies to purchase vests that are individually fitted for officers. Having a bulletproof vest that fits well is important to providing the best protection to law enforcement officers.
Since 1999, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant program has helped more than 13,000 local law enforcement agencies around the country purchase more than 1.1 million vests. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, Indiana law enforcement agencies received $482,083 through the program, which helped 108 communities to purchase vests. For details on which Indiana communities were awarded FY 2014 grants, click here. In 2013, Indiana law enforcement agencies were awarded $451,161 for vests.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer Greg Milburn, who was shot in the line of duty in 2014, survived thanks to his bulletproof vest.Millburn is one of 10 recipients nationally who will be awarded with the Tops Cops award from the National Association of Police Organizations on Tuesday May 12, 2015, in Washington D.C. Milburn was shot near his abdomen by a suspect and did not suffer major injuries.
