Gov. Abbott announces rifle-resistant body armor grant
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD) is now accepting grant applications from law enforcement agencies seeking assistance for the purchase of rifle-resistant body armor. During the 85th Legislative Session, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 12, which funds the $25 million statewide grant program designed to provide personal body armor to law enforcement officers across Texas. Today’s announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the deadly ambush on Dallas police officers.
“We must do all we can to protect those who protect us,” said Governor Abbott. “The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect Texans deserve the greatest protections, and as Governor I am committed to doing all I can to support them. I want to thank Sen. West and Rep. King for their leadership in getting this bill to my desk so we can equip law enforcement agencies across Texas with this life saving armor.”
Senate Bill 12, authored by Sen. Royce West and Rep. Phil King, stipulates that funds may be used only by eligible law enforcement agencies to equip eligible officers with bullet-resistant personal body armor compliant with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard for rifle protection. The Governor’s CJD is committed to providing funds to as many departments as possible.
