EXETER >> The Exeter Police Department is one step closer to purchasing new bulletproof vests.
The department has been awarded a federal grant from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bulletproof Vest Partnership, according to a release from Exeter Police. The award is worth $4,876 and will help to offset the cost of purchasing new or replacement ballistic vests by about 50 percent.
Currently, Exeter Police have a “mandatory wear policy.” The policy requires officers to wear a ballistic vest as part of their everyday uniform.
“It has become increasingly dangerous for police nationwide in 2016,” the department said Tuesday. “Instances of officers killed by gunfire are up 57 percent from this time last year, according to ODMP.org. Now more than ever, keeping officers safe and keeping their equipment up to date is of the utmost importance.”
