BACKGROUND

The BVP Grant Act of 1998 (PL 105-181) made available in federal FY 2001 $25 million to help states, localities and Indian Tribes purchase bulletproof and stab-resistant vests. The purpose of the Act is to protect the lives of law enforcement officers by helping government entities equip themselves with armor vests. Recent enactment of the BVP Grant Act of 2000 ensured an additional $50 million in annual funding through 2004.

Beginning with vests purchased after March 1, 1999, the BVP program provides up to a 50% match to jurisdictions qualifying for reimbursement. Between March 1, 1999 and September 30, 2000, the City was qualified for approximately $39,000 in reimbursement funds (50% of purchases). Due to overwhelming program response nationwide, Sunnyvale was only approved for $14,800 and has actually received $14,662 or 19% in reimbursement funds for vests purchased between March 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000. Based on planned vest purchases of $29,000 from October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001, the City applied and has been approved for an additional $5, 888 in reimbursement funds.

On an annual basis, the Public Safety Department purchases between 20 - 75 bulletproof vests. The number of yearly purchases fluctuates according to replacement need and the number of new officers hired. All 232 sworn officers have bulletproof vests, but only certain vests purchased by Public Safety are eligible for reimbursement under the BVP program. The National Institute of Justice sets the reimbursement standard according to vest type "threat" protection level.

Between October 1, 2000 and September 30, 2001, Public Safety purchased approximately 50 vests that are reimbursable under the BVP program. Funds for these vest purchases were budgeted in Public Safety Administrative and Technical Services (Program 432200) and Police Services Equipment Acquisition (Program 819840). The City has been approved for an additional $5,888 in reimbursement funds for these vest purchases under the BVP Grant Act of 2000.

The City can request additional reimbursements for qualifying vest purchases under the BVP Grant Act of 2000, which is valid through September 30, 2005.

Acceptance and recognition of the BVP Grant Act of 2000 funding will benefit the City of Sunnyvale by providing an additional $5,888 of grant funding to supplement the routinely budgeted acquisition of bulletproof vests.

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the city's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the city's web page, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.

1. Recognize the full amount available from the Bullet Proof Vest Partnership Partnership Grant Act of 2000 and Budget Modification No. 48.

2. Do not appropriate the funding.

3. Direct staff to conduct further study.

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

Prepared by:
Heather Tannehill
Manager, Police Services

Reviewed by:
Kirk Sanfilippo
Captain, Department of Public Safety

Irwin I. Bakin
Director of Public Safety

Mary J. Bradley, 
Director of Finance

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager