The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership program was created in 1998 and offers a 50% reimbursement for vests purchased by departments.  For 2025, the Schertz Police Department has estimated approximately twenty (20) vests will be needed between new hires and replacements.  The department has ensured a properly budgeted line item for bulletproof vests to cover the needed vests and the receipts will be submitted for reimbursement every quarter.  Funds are expected to be available starting in March 2026 and will be used until depleted.

The goal of this program is to assist departments with the purchase of bulletproof vests for all officers. 

Police officers benefit from having bulletproof vests because the vests provide critical protection against gunfire and sharp objects, reducing the risk of serious injury or death. This added safety allows officers to perform their duties with greater confidence in dangerous or unpredictable situations. Overall, bulletproof vests help protect officers’ lives and support safer communities by keeping law enforcement personnel better protected.  Financially, the community benefits by having a fiscally responsible department that looks for outside funding opportunities that positively affect our budget or allows officers to have better equipment.  

The Schertz Police Department recommends approval of this item. 

The Schertz Police Department has estimated twenty (20) new vests will be needed for new hire officers and replacement for the year.  As of the application, the total vest cost is $1,030 and the total cost for twenty vests is $20,600.  The Schertz Police Department will pay all costs upfront and will submit for reimbursement every quarter through the program website.  50% reimbursement is expected so the department will cover $10,300 for the estimated vests from the approved FY 2025-26 operating budget. 

The Schertz Police Department recommends approval of this item.