Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $808,000 In Federal Funding For Bullet Proof Vests For New York State Police Officers

NEW YORK – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $808,198.45 in new federal funding for the State of New York to purchase 13,005 bullet proof vests for police officers across 192 jurisdictions. The funding was allocated through the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership program to purchase new bullet proof vests for police office and would also provide reimbursement to state and local law enforcement agencies for purchase of bulletproof vests. New York City will receive 8,569 vests; Long Island will receive 1,477 vests; the Capital Region will receive 232 vests; Central New York will receive 418 vests; the Southern Tier will receive 224 vests; Rochester-Finger Lakes Region will receive 419 vests; Mohawk Valley will receive 145 vests; Western New York will receive 574 vests; the Hudson Valley Region will receive 569 vests; Westchester will receive 356 vests; and The North Country will receive 22 vests.

“This massive federal investment will ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe are equipped with the life-saving gear they need to protect themselves,” said Senator Schumer. “With over 13,000 new bulletproof vests, officers and other law enforcement officials across New York can feel safer while they’re out on the beat keeping our communities safe.”

“This federal funding for new vests is welcome news for New York’s police officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In a dangerous situation, a bulletproof vest might be the only barrier between life and death for an officer. We have to make sure our brave officers are using equipment that is up-to-date and effective. I was proud to fight for this funding and I will continue to support efforts in the Senate to protect our officers in the line of duty.”

The Office of Justice Assistance aims to build stronger community relationships by focusing on officer safety, wellness and resilience; active shooter response; officer safety and wellness program recognition; officer safety and wellness pilot research and evaluation model; and de-escalation training. The Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership program prioritizes jurisdictions with 100,000 or less residents. Cities receiving funding are required to use National Institute of Justice approved vendors to replace vests recently damaged or older than five years.

For a breakdown of DOJ funds by region click HERE.

Photo by Dave Hosford via Flickr. (CC BY 2.0)
Press Release by the Office of Senator Charles Schumer.
Press Release Made Available by the Office of Senator Charles Schumer.