Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP)
Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) supports Massachusetts municipal police departments by reimbursing purchases of first-issued and replacement bulletproof vests to protect their officers.
Funder: Office of Grants and Research
Due Dates: Rolling (State reimbursement, until funds are depleted) | October 30, 2026 (Federal FY2026 application) | February 28, 2027 (Contract end) | August 15, 2027 (Annual final invoices)
Funding Amounts: State reimbursement up to 50% of eligible vest costs; combined federal and state support can cover the full cost
Summary: Reimburses Massachusetts municipal police departments for bulletproof vests purchased to protect their officers.
Key Information: Departments must obtain federal BVP reimbursement approval before requesting the state share; individual officers cannot apply.
Description
The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), within Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, administers this state-funded reimbursement program for bulletproof vests. It helps municipal police departments provide lifesaving protective equipment to their officers, rather than supporting research or a broader equipment initiative. Eligible purchases include first-issued vests and qualifying replacements of older vests.
The state program complements the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Patrick Leahy Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership. Each program provides reimbursement toward eligible vest purchases, and together they can cover the full purchase cost. Departments purchase the equipment before requesting reimbursement. State funds are made available each fiscal year, with requests reviewed as received and reimbursed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted.
