23 Dec New NYPD Bullet-Resistant Vest Pilot
On December 20, 2019, the NYPD and New York City Police Foundation announced an initiative rolling out 550 new light-weight bullet-resistant vests for NYPD detectives.
The bullet-resistant vests currently in use by the NYPD are heavier and thicker, making it difficult for undercover officers and detectives to wear them under or over their suits or other attire. The new vests are easier to wear over clothing, while still offering lifesaving protection. The need for the light-weight vests was underscored after the tragic incident that resulted in the line of duty death of Detective Brian Simonsen.
“These new bullet-resistant vests will help save lives and ensure that our investigators are well protected while out in the field,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “We appreciate the support of the Police Foundation in helping to secure the funds to pilot these new vests.”
“With the support of generous donors, the New York City Police Foundation was able to purchase these lightweight, updated, bullet-resistant vests to protect New York’s finest, who risk their lives every day to keep New York City the safest big city in the country,” said Susan Birnbaum, President and CEO of the New York City Police Foundation. “In addition to John Catsimatidis, Mario Gabelli, the Detectives’ Endowment Association and Hank Greenberg and the Starr Foundation, it’s meaningful to have the next generation of the Rudin family, one of the founders of the Police Foundation and original funders of the first vests nearly 50 years ago, once again invest in these life-saving vests.”
The vests will be paid for thanks to a $550,000 donation being made by the Police Foundation. In 1972, the New York City Police Foundation provided the very first bullet-resistant vests to all members of the NYPD.