For Immediate Release

May 14, 2008

LoBiondo Introduces Legislation to Reauthorize Bulletproof Vest Program to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

Congressman, Supporters Honor National Law Enforcement Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the observance of National Law Enforcement Week as a backdrop, U.S. Congressmen Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), Peter Visclosky (IN-01) and 106 of their House colleagues today introduced a three year reauthorization (H.R. 6045)   of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program. Created in 1999 by the two lawmakers, the bipartisan BVP program provides state, local and tribal law enforcement officers with needed protection by aiding the purchase of protective equipment. The last reauthorization in 2004 will expire next fiscal year.

“The men and women in our local law enforcement play an essential role in safeguarding our communities and protecting the freedoms all of us enjoy. Bulletproof vests and body armor have saved thousands of law enforcement officers since the introduction of the modern bulletproof material. However, they cannot protect the lives of those who do not have access to them,” said LoBiondo. “As protectors of our lives and our property, it is imperative that we give law enforcement the critical tools they need so they may do their jobs and carry out their duties safely and effectively. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership program is one of those critical tools.”

Since 1999, the BVP program has supported over 11,900 jurisdictions in purchasing an estimated 450,000 vests. In Fiscal Year 2007 alone, the BVP program provided $28.6 million to state and local law enforcement agencies across America for the purchase of approximately 180,173 new bulletproof vests. More than $113,000 of those federal funds was directed to jurisdictions within New Jersey’s 2^nd Congressional District. . 

“Over the past decade, this important program has helped to protect the lives of nearly a half million officers. The enactment of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act, followed by the full funding of the grant program, will ensure that all of America’s law enforcement officers get the life-saving protection they need,” wrote William Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) to the lawmakers. “NAPO was proud to stand with you in 1999 and 2004 and we are pleased to join with you again in support of this important legislation.”

Jason P. Galanes

Communications Director

Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)

202.225.6572 (office)

202.374.1914 (cell)

202.225.3318 (fax)

2427 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

www.house.gov/lobiondo