The City of McAlester announces that it has received $5,843 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) through the Fiscal Year 2024 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program. This funding will support the purchase of 13 bulletproof vests for law enforcement, enhancing officer safety on the front lines. The total cost of the project is $11,686, with the federal program providing a 1:1 matching grant.
The BVP Program assists jurisdictions in obtaining National Institute of Justice (NIJ) compliant body armor for law enforcement. With this funding, the City of McAlester will be able to purchase vests that are fitted, made in the U.S., and compliant with NIJ standards.
The funds must be used for vests ordered after April 1, 2024, and jurisdictions have until August 31, 2026, to request reimbursement. The BVP program will reimburse up to 50% of the vest cost, with options for financial hardship waivers allowing for up to 100% reimbursement under certain conditions.