Alpharetta seeks federal funds for bulletproof vests

Alpharetta is applying for a federal grant to help pay for 41 new bulletproof vests for police. AJC FILE

Alpharetta is applying for a federal grant to help pay for 41 new bulletproof vests for police. AJC FILE

Alpharetta will seek federal funds to buy 41 bulletproof vests for the police department to replace vests that are approaching the end of their five-year warranty periods and for forecasted new hiring.

The City Council approved applying for a $15,375 Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant of the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The program reimburses the city up to half the purchase price of new, approved ballistic vests, according to a staff report to the council.

“New armor currently costs $655 to $750 per set, depending on the level of protection,” staff said. Forty-one vests are expected to cost $30,750 total.

Alpharetta police actually need 65 new vests through 2020-2022, but the DOJ program sets the maximum number of vests available to be requested at 41. “Alpharetta has applied for this grant every year for more than 10 years, generally receiving 60 to 100 percent of the amount requested,” staff said.