City Council Proposes Funding For 13,000 New Bullet-Proof Vests For NYPD

Following the funerals of NYPD’s Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu – who were shot dead in in their squad car last month – City Council wants to allocate $7.3 million in the 2016 preliminary budget for new bullet-proof vests for the city’s police force.

Public sympathy has turned towards the police following the recent assassinations, and there has been increased pressure on City Council create more protections for NYPD officers.

The NYPD says the vests have saved 87 lives since 1978, and Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association chief Patrick Lynch is pushing for them to be a permanent part of the budget, calling them “essential to protecting the men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping this city safe.”

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Deputy Leader Councilman Vincent Gentile made the case for replacing 13,000 existing bulletproof vests for the NYPD – costing the city approximately $600 per vest.

“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 Gentile in a statement. “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.”

Mark-Viverito echoed his sentiment.

“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 the speaker. “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 NYPD will conduct a review to evaluate the of safest length of time vests should be kept in use.