Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP)
Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) supports Massachusetts municipal police departments by reimbursing purchases of first-issued and replacement bulletproof vests to provide lifesaving protection for sworn officers.
Funder: Office of Grants and Research
Due Dates: Rolling (State reimbursement, until funds are depleted) | October 30, 2026 (Federal FY2026 application)
Funding Amounts: State reimbursement up to 50% of eligible vest costs; combined state and federal support can cover 100%
Summary: Supports Massachusetts municipal police departments purchasing bulletproof vests for their officers through partial reimbursement.
Key Information: Departments must obtain federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership reimbursement approval before requesting state support; contract conditions require receipt of federal funds first.
Description
The Bulletproof Vest Program is a state-funded reimbursement program administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR), within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). It helps municipal police departments purchase lifesaving protective equipment for sworn officers. The program funds bulletproof vests rather than research or broader public safety projects.
State support complements the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Patrick Leahy Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership. Eligible purchases include first-issued vests and replacements for qualifying older vests. Departments purchase and pay for equipment before seeking reimbursement, with requests reviewed as received. Funding is made available each state fiscal year, subject to appropriations and availability.
