$2 Million to Equip Texas LEOs with Rifle-Resistant Body Armor

In response to the deadly standoff in Dallas, Texas, that killed five police officers during the summer of 2016, the state legislature passed a law in 2017 creating a grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase rifle-resistant body armor.

According to a recent data release from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Texas ranked number one in states for the total number of firearm-related deaths in 2017.

Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Eligibility Requirements

The $2 million pot is available to law enforcement agencies in the state that operate under the Texas Department of Public Safety, including tribal governments and public community colleges that depend on taxes for operation.

To apply for the grant, agencies must:

• Create a policy that describes proper deployment and distribution of the armor
• Provide mandatory training for officers regarding the proper care, fitting, inspection, use, storage and maintenance of the armor, including a written rule that prohibits the armor from being left in vehicles where it could be susceptible to heat damage

There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, however, officials in the governor’s Criminal Justice Division urge applicants to consider the costs and that the department is looking to equip as many agencies as possible.

Applications are due by Feb. 28.

Apply online at Texas Public Safety Office’s eGrants website.