Alpharetta to seek federal grant for bulletproof vests

Alpharetta is applying for $22,862 in federal funding — to be matched with a like amount from the city — to buy new bulletproof vests for its police officers. AJC FILE

Alpharetta is applying for $22,862 in federal funding — to be matched with a like amount from the city — to buy new bulletproof vests for its police officers. AJC FILE

The Alpharetta City Council has approved applying for a federal grant to purchase ballistic vests for Department of Public Safety police officers.

The grant would be sought from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program of the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a staff report to the council. Through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the federal government reimburses agencies up to half the purchase price of new, approved, ballistic vests.

Alpharetta will seek a $22,862 grant and match it with a like amount, for total funding of $45,724 – enough for 60 vests, staff said. The police are expected to need 78 new vests through 2021, based on the expiration dates of current vests and predicted new hires.

“New ballistic armor currently costs $650 to $795 per set, depending on the level of protection,” staff said. “The total cost for 78 vests, assuming a normal mix of alternatives, is approximately $60,700.”