(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a total of $156,081 to 11 cities and towns in the Second Congressional District for the purchase of bulletproof vests for law enforcement personnel.  The funding was made available under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2004.

 “I am pleased that the Department of Justice has recognized the needs of first responders in the Second Congressional District,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “Our first responders are on the front lines of dangerous duty and must have access to the necessary equipment to minimize risk of injury.  This award is but one small way the federal government can show its appreciation to law enforcement throughout the nation.”

 Those Second Congressional District communities who have been selected by the U.S. DOJ to receive funds include:
 
Charlestown, $3,982.20; Coventry, $17,150; Cranston, $14,340; Hopkinton, $7,500; Johnston, $4,000; North Kingstown, $17,524; Richmond, $3,650; South Kingstown, $17,100; Warwick, $61,855; West Warwick, $7,680; and Westerly, $1,300.

 According to the DOJ, The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Grant Act of 2000 provides funding priority for smaller jurisdictions with populations under 100,000. Any remaining funds may be allocated to support grants to jurisdictions with populations at or over 100,000. In FY 2003, all appropriated funds were awarded to smaller jurisdictions.

 During the last legislative session, Congress, with Langevin’s strong support, reauthorized this program and doubled its authorized funding level for 2002 to 2004 to $50 million per year.  The DOJ will provide up to 50 percent in matching funds with priority going to localities that demonstrate a need for assistance, establish a mandatory wear policy, experience crime rates above the national average, or have not received Local Law Enforcement Block Grant funds. 

 “The men and women of law enforcement risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” added Langevin.  “We must do everything we can to ensure their safety and return them to their families every night.”

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