On June 16, 1998, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Grant Act of 1998 was signed as law (Public Law 105-181). The purpose of the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program is to reimburse states, counties, federally recognized tribes, cities, and local jurisdictions up to 50% of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers.

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership has developed a website to assist the States (includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), units of local government, and Indian tribes, to obtain these vests using an electronic application for funding and request for payment process.The entire process of obtaining federal funds is completed through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership website.

On June 24, 1999, Governor Jim Hodges signed an Executive Order # 99-31 designating the SC Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, as the lead state agency for South Carolina to administer all matters regarding the Bulletproof Vest Program for all state agencies that qualify to purchase vests. The responsibility of the Office of Justice Programs is to monitor the application process of agencies who choose to participate in this program; be responsible for forwarding payment from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to state agencies once vests have been purchased, and provide technical assistance.

Funding Limitations

The program is designed to pay up to 50% of the cost of NIJ-approved vests contained in a jurisdiction's application. Given the projected number of eligible jurisdictions and the limited funds available, the BVP may not have sufficient funds to provide 50% for all applications. It is strongly recommended that jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies not order vests contained in their application until it is approved by BJA, unless they have sufficient resources to cover initial costs and any potential shortfall which may result if less than 50% is provided.

Visit the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program's website for more information.