News Release

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) announced today that jurisdictions can apply for emergency federal funding to replace bulletproof vests made of Zylon.  A new Justice Department study released yesterday revealed that vests made of Zylon failed to stop a bullet in nearly 6 of every 10 tests.

The Justice Department is putting up $33.6 million to help police departments replace the vests.

Agencies currently registered with the Justice Department's Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program should login at www.vests.ojp.gov and complete their application for emergency funding.  Agencies new to the BVP program may call the BVP help desk at 1-877-758-3787 for assistance. The application period for this special solicitation will close on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

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