Approve request to apply for, and subsequently accept, the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs Bullet Proof Vest grant application.  

The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, has grant funds available to purchase bullet proof vests for police officers.  The Bullet Proof Vest (BPV) Partnership grant reimburses law enforcment agencies 50% of the purchase price for BPVs.  BPVs have an expected functional product life of 5 years.  Based upon a projected combination of personnel hiring rates and retirement of exisiting BPVs (due to product safety expiration), staff projects that 60 BPVs will be required over the next two years to fulfill the safety needs of the Department.  At a cost of $761.85 (incluidng internal and external vest carriers), $45,711.00 is projected for the purchase of BPVs, 50% (or $22,855.50) of which is proposed for funding from the FY 2019 BPV grant.  

Staff recommends approval by the Board for submission, and, subsequent acceptance upon award, of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs BPV funds for the purpose of purchasing Bullet Proof Vests.  

The Board disapproves submission of the BPV grant application and receives no funding to help defray the cost for Bullet Proof Vests to ensure the safety of officers of the Fort Pierce Police Department.  

Anita Cocoves, Grant Coordinator

Fort Pierce Police Department staff and Finance Department staff.