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Adult Criminal Justice Policy & Planning

Programs & Grants

Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, (Public Law 105-181) and reauthorized by the BVP Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-517), is a unique U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) initiative designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement agencies.  The USDOJ administers the program and is responsible for establishing eligibility criteria and allocation decisions.  Connecticut's OPM serves as the administrative agency to “pass-through” funds to eligible state law enforcement agencies.

Purpose

BVP provides funds for up to 50 percent of the cost of each vest purchased or replaced by eligible law enforcement applicants. Only vest models that comply with the requirements of the Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice (NIJ) may be purchased with BVP Program funds.   A list of vest models that comply with the NIJ interim requirements will be maintained at: http://www.justnet.org.  OPM does not endorse any specific vest or provider.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must have law enforcement powers and include police officers; sheriff deputies; correctional officers; parole and probation agents; prosecutors; and judicial officials.  Municipal law enforcement agencies must apply directly to the USDOJ for the BVP funds.  State law enforcment agencies must apply for funds through OPM.

Application Process

Eligible state agency applicants are notified by OPM when the USDOJ is accepting applications.  Successful applicants are notified by OPM and informed of the award level.  This is a reimbursement based program and grantees are responsible for purchasing their vests with state general funds or private funds and seeking reimbursement from OPM.

Funding Decisions for past BVP Program Years can be found using the following link: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/bvpprogramresources.htm

Progress and Financial Reporting Information

TOP of pageFor Further Information, Contact:

Stephen Moniz, Phone: (860) 418-6341; Fax: (860) 418-6496;
E-mail: Stephen.Moniz@ct.gov