“It’s just another day at the office.” That’s what most people say when they’re headed off to work in the morning. But for police officers, another day on the job means another day of risking their lives. Day-in and day-out, cops choose a career that puts them in very real danger. They choose to protect and serve, not knowing whether they will return home to their families. In recent months, the dangers of the job have worsened with increases in gun-related incidents, mistrust and hatred festering, as well as ambush attacks both on and off-duty police. Now, more than ever, it’s important that our law enforcement officers are prepared to face situations that pose a great risk of danger or harm to them with the right gear. That’s why what we do here at Safe Life Defense is so important!
If you’re a police chief or a sheriff, you’re likely familiar with strained municipal budgets and the lack of funding for police safety equipment. While federal, state and local governments all contribute to the cost of police protection, their contributions are often far from equal. That’s why many departments receive funding from a wide variety of revenue streams, such as local public funds and federal grants. And it comes as no surprise that these income sources are not always enough to keep police safety equipment up-to-date. After all, staying on the cutting edge of safety with ever-evolving technologies comes at a cost. Sure there are taxpayer contributions, fines, fees, forfeitures, private donations and community fundraisers, too … but at the end of the day, agencies small and large are left neglected and underprepared.
Whether you’re the head honcho, on desk duty or a uniform in the field, it’s important you know your options and obtain the lifesaving gear you and yours need. At the end of the day, it’s about getting the job done and getting everyone, including yourself, back to safety. While you may be doing hero’s work, you’re certainly not bulletproof like one. Even protectors need protection and it’s on us to fill those gaps and ensure those keeping our communities safe are properly equipped. The good news is we at Safe Life Defense are ready to help however and whenever we can. That all starts with getting you the information you need on the options you have. The one we’ll talk about in this article is the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership.
The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership:
Registration, Application and Payment in 3 Easy Steps
This program was created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 and is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide critical resources, like body armor and bulletproof vests to state and local law enforcement.
Step 1: Login and Register Online
The System for Award Management (SAM) requires all jurisdictions to be registered in SAM in order to receive access to FY 2018-2020 BVP award funds. Jurisdictions not registered are strongly encouraged to access the website and complete the online process.
If you have fulfilled this step, you may proceed to the BVP registration. This partnership provides continuous open registration that allows new users to provide contact and banking information throughout the year. For convenience, the DOJ also has several resources and demos you may view that will aid in teaching you how to start registration, submit an application, request payment and more.
Step 2: Apply Online
During the open application period, you’ll need to identify the total number, type and projected cost of vests for your department’s eligible and participating law enforcement officers. Please note: You must complete the first two steps before the application closing date.
The BVP program will then make DOJ funding decisions three to four months after the “open application period” ends. At this point in the process, applicants may be notified via email about approved funding levels.
Should you receive approval, you’ll be able to purchase your vests, but only those that meet NIJ testing standards. These can be purchased directly through Safe Life Defense or other approved vest distributors. Having met the highest standards in the industry, you know you’ll be in good hands with us.
Step 3: Make an Online Payment Request
Once your vests have been delivered, you can proceed with completing an online receiving report and request for payment.
At the end of the day, we want to help ensure that the equipment police use, particularly officer safety gear, is up-to-date and accessible for the men and women in uniform who protect us every day! If you need additional assistance, please feel free to give us a call at 1-702-829-4029 or reach us via email by clicking here and filling out the form.
We would love to assist you in this process and help you make the safest choice for your agency.
