NYC Council members propose funding for more police bullet-proof vests

Thursday, January 15, 2015

NEW YORK (WABC) -- More money could be coming to the NYPD to buy more bullet resistant vests.

The New York City Council has proposed spending more than $7 million in the 2016 budget to replace and buy more of them.

"We must ensure that the brave men and women of the NYPD have all the resources they need to stay safe when they are out protecting New Yorkers," said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. "This City Council committed to supporting our police officers and that starts by ensuring they have the most up-to-date and advanced technology at their disposal. Modern, reliable bulletproof vests will help ensure that police officers throughout the City are safe and the City Council is proud to support funding for this critical initiative which will help save lives."

The proposal would allocate funds to replace existing bulletproof vests, at a cost of about $600 per vest.

In 2006, the City Council successfully advocated for funds to provide new bulletproof vests to NYPD officers.

"New York City's police force is unparalleled and we owe it to our officers to ensure they have the resources they need to stay safe as they protect New Yorkers," said Council Member Vincent Gentile.

"The City Council is a staunch supporter of the NYPD and we are proud to do our part to make sure all NYPD officers have new bulletproof vests."

In response to the proposal, PBA President issued a statement: "Bullet resistant vests are essential to protecting the men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping this city safe and we are grateful to the City Council for the funding. The PBA has continuously worked over the years with the department and in cooperation with the Council to upgrade vests to the highest level of protection available for our members. But the work is not done with the purchase of these vests. The PBA is still pushing the department and city to establish a permanent funding source to support a regular replacement program for vests as their warranty dates expire. It is essential to our member's safety."