FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2013) – More than $60,000 in state Law Enforcement Protection Program (LEPP) grants have been awarded to 12 law enforcement agencies for body armor vests and one for duty weapons, Gov. Steve Beshear said today.
Under LEPP, administered by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), appropriate agencies can seek financial help for certain items essential in the course of their duties.
“These body armor vests will help protect law enforcement personnel who, in turn, protect Kentucky citizens and guests and work to keep our Commonwealth safe,” Beshear said.
In conjunction with the Kentucky State Police (KSP), KOHS derives income from sales of confiscated weapons. KSP conducts periodic auctions – only to federally licensed firearms dealers – that generate dollars for the LEPP initiative.
KOHS then assesses needs and, after prioritization, provides available funds for the acquisition of body armor, weapons, ammunition, and electronic or muscular disruption technical devices, which are often referred to as Tasers.
“It’s good to know we can help in some way to supply law enforcement with the tools they need to carry out their important jobs,” said Gene Kiser, executive director of KOHS.
LEPP support goes to police agencies of cities, counties, charter counties, unified counties, urban-counties and consolidated local governments, sheriff’s departments and public university police departments.
The following agencies were awarded grants:
Add Comment