Ohio Law Enforcement Bulletproof Vest Program (Body Armor Program)

Ohio Attorney General, funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Pays for armorOH

Law enforcementCorrections

What it pays for

Grant money for body armor vests for law enforcement officers of local government (full time, part time and auxiliary, paid or volunteer, including those who supervise sentenced offenders). Applicants attach itemized quotes; priority goes to agencies replacing defective ShotStop vests and to agencies with 50 or fewer sworn officers. NIJ compliance is referenced in program materials.

The rules

Who can apply: Ohio police departments, sheriffs' offices and agencies in good standing with BWC and covered by a BWC state insurance fund policy. State agencies and self-insured departments are not eligible.
Match or cost share: 25 percent local match.
When: From FY 27, up to $8,000 per agency per year. Applications considered monthly from October 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 or until funds run out.

Sources

Ohio AG FY 27 program application form, read Oct 3, 2026
Confirmed by WorkCompCentral; Ironton Tribune (2019-09-01)

This is a reference compiled from public program documents, not legal or grant advice. The program’s own solicitation and guidance are the record.