January 23, 2026

University of Kentucky Police Department Receives New Body Armor

Lexington, Kentucky, January 23, 2026

The University of Kentucky Police Department has improved its protective measures by acquiring new body armor through the Kentucky Attorney General’s Body Armor Grant Program. This initiative provided 29 vests, 80 carriers, 160 rifle plates, and 8 ballistic shields, ensuring enhanced safety for officers during high-risk situations. The program aims to reduce the number of law enforcement personnel using expired or inadequate body armor, leading to a significant improvement in officer safety throughout the state.

Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky Police Department has enhanced its protective measures by receiving new body armor through the Kentucky Attorney General’s Body Armor Grant Program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to equip law enforcement agencies across the state with essential protective gear.

Grant Details

The grant provided the UK Police Department with 29 vests, 80 carriers, 160 rifle plates, and 8 ballistic shields. This equipment is intended to bolster the safety of officers during high-risk situations. The Body Armor Grant Program, launched by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, has allocated $15 million to support law enforcement and first responders in acquiring body armor and other critical equipment. The program is administered by the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Statewide Impact

Since its inception, the grant program has distributed over 2,400 vests and more than 14,000 pieces of equipment to law enforcement agencies throughout Kentucky. Prior to this initiative, approximately 20% of Kentucky’s law enforcement officers were using expired or no body armor. This gap has now been reduced to less than 1%.

Call for Additional Funding

Attorney General Coleman has requested an additional $20 million over the next two fiscal years to further equip law enforcement with protective gear, including shields, plates, and helmets. This request aims to continue enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement personnel across the state.

Background

The Body Armor Grant Program was established to address critical safety gaps for Kentucky’s law enforcement officers. By providing funding for protective equipment, the program seeks to ensure that officers are adequately protected while performing their duties. The initiative reflects a commitment to the well-being of law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Body Armor Grant Program?

The Body Armor Grant Program is an initiative launched by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman to equip law enforcement agencies with protective gear, including body armor, shields, and helmets. The program aims to enhance the safety of officers across the state.

How much funding has been allocated to the program?

The program has allocated $15 million to support law enforcement and first responders in acquiring body armor and other critical equipment.

How many vests and pieces of equipment have been distributed?

Since its inception, the grant program has distributed over 2,400 vests and more than 14,000 pieces of equipment to law enforcement agencies throughout Kentucky.

What is the current state of body armor usage among Kentucky law enforcement officers?

Prior to this initiative, approximately 20% of Kentucky’s law enforcement officers were using expired or no body armor. This gap has now been reduced to less than 1%.

Has the Attorney General requested additional funding for the program?

Yes, Attorney General Coleman has requested an additional $20 million over the next two fiscal years to further equip law enforcement with protective gear, including shields, plates, and helmets.

Key Features of the Body Armor Grant Program

Feature	Description
Funding Amount	$15 million allocated to support law enforcement and first responders in acquiring body armor and other critical equipment.
Equipment Distributed	Over 2,400 vests and more than 14,000 pieces of equipment have been distributed to law enforcement agencies throughout Kentucky.
Impact on Body Armor Usage	Prior to the program, approximately 20% of Kentucky’s law enforcement officers were using expired or no body armor. This gap has now been reduced to less than 1%.
Additional Funding Request	Attorney General Coleman has requested an additional $20 million over the next two fiscal years to further equip law enforcement with protective gear, including shields, plates, and helmets.