Dear Representatives Deluzio and Garbarino,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 5391, the “Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act.”
Every day, our cops on the beat work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. Therefore, it is critical that they are properly equipped with the means to protect both people in harm’s way as well as themselves. Bulletproof vests are a basic lifeline, providing officers with essential protection against firearms and other deadly threats—they are not a luxury nor an optional tool, but a standard piece of safety equipment that can mean the difference between life and death in the line of duty. Ensuring every officer has access to this protection is not only an investment in their well-being, but in the security and stability of the communities they serve.
Unfortunately, these vests can become expensive for departments, so it is crucial that they always have the means to obtain them at a reasonable cost. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, which reimburses States, local government, and Federally recognized Indian tribes up to 50% of the cost of these vests, was created for this purpose. Now, your legislation would expand this program to increase the rate of reimbursement to 60% and additionally increase reauthorization of the Patrick J. Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership program to $60 million per year. We need to better protect our protectors, and one way we can do that is by increasing their access to this basic lifesaving gear.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this important issue. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President