Bulletproof Vests Being Purchased for Police

The Bridgewater Township Police Department is purchasing body armor and bulletproof vests to replace items that are no longer usable.

The council unanimously approved the acceptance of two grants for these purchases Dec. 3, one for body armor and one for bulletproof vests.

As for the body armor, the township is receiving $6,804.73 from the state. The township received this same amount in 2011.

As for the vests, the township is receiving $2,317.50 from the federal government. This is about $400 less than the township received in 2011.

Township administrator James Naples said these are not matching grants, and, particularly with the vests, they are required for every officer with a uniform.

Councilman Matthew Moench questioned why they are purchased so often.

“They wear out quickly,” Naples said. “It is not that the officers are getting shot at, but it’s wear and tear under the clothes. It wears down and breaks down.”