Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP)
Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) supports Massachusetts municipal police departments by reimbursing purchases of bulletproof vests for sworn officers, helping departments provide protective gear.
Funder: Office of Grants and Research
Due Dates: Rolling (reimbursement requests; until funds are depleted)
Funding Amounts: State reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible vest costs
Summary: Reimburses Massachusetts municipal police departments for bulletproof vests purchased for their officers.
Key Information: Departments must first obtain approval for reimbursement through the federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership.
Description
The Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR) administers this state-funded program to help municipal police departments pay for bulletproof vests. It reimburses eligible purchases for sworn officers, including first vests and qualifying replacements. Certain personnel of other agencies within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security may also be eligible if the Secretary of Public Safety and Security determines so.
The program works alongside the federal Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership. Departments seek federal reimbursement first, then request the state share for remaining eligible vest costs. Requests are reviewed as received, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
