The grants awarded to six Valley police departments through the U.S. Justice Department's Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program are an example of government money well spent.
When we send police officers into the streets to protect our safety, we have an obligation to protect them as much as possible. An important element of that protection is the bulletproof vest.
However, the vests are expensive, and police departments, like many municipal agencies, often find themselves strapped for cash. That's where the BVP provides a valuable service.
The Justice Department program will provide $24.2 million this year to 4,783 communities across the nation to outfit their officers with new vests. The six local towns that will benefit are:
Each jurisdiction in the Bulletproof Vest Program can purchase one vest per officer each year, with the stipulation that the vests must meet or exceed National Institute of Justice standards.
When police officers meet up with the evildoers of our society, we want them to be fully protected. The BVP is a valuable resource in ensuring that they are.
