Nearly 2,000 Law Enforcement Officers Approved for Body Armor

A 2024 program aimed at ensuring officers, deputies, and troopers have access to lifesaving body armor is yielding results.

At the Northern Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial in Covington, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced nearly 2,000 of Kentucky’s law enforcement have been fitted or equipped with body armor through the program. Before the program was implemented, one in five of Kentucky's officers were wearing an expired vest or had no vest at all. 

In 2024, the General Assembly dedicated $15 million to the Attorney General's Office to create the Body Armor Grant Program. General Coleman launched the program July 15, 2024, and plans to expand to shields, helmets, and other protective equipment in the near future. KLC supported the project in the 2024 legislative session and commends General Coleman’s efforts.

“We look forward to working with more Kentucky law enforcement agencies to protect the men and women who protect our families,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Through this program, created by strong leaders in the General Assembly, we’re providing more than a piece of equipment. This body armor represents peace of mind for these officers, their departments, and the families who wait up for their loved ones to come home at the end of each shift.”   

Senate Budget Chairman Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) discussed the investment made during the 2024 session that led to the program's implementation. 

“The General Assembly’s $15 million investment in the Body Armor Grant Program—$5 million in the first year and $10 million in the second—reflects the Kentucky General Assembly's strong, ongoing support for law enforcement,” said Sen. McDaniel. “These targeted, fiscally responsible funds will help equip and train our police officers with the protection they need as they confront criminal threats and work to keep our communities safe. It’s an honor to deliver these resources to Attorney General Coleman at a time when law enforcement faces growing demands and risks.”

Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery also attended the memorial this week, commending the work that has been done to protect those on the front lines of public safety.

“Programs like this one from the Attorney General’s Office not only enhance officer safety across the Commonwealth, but it also enables departments like ours to expand other community services and outreach programs,” Mallery said.

The Body Armor Grant Program is administered by the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Law enforcement agencies interested in applying for a grant should visit the Attorney General’s website.