Law Enforcement Body Armor: DOJ Could Enhance Grant Management Controls and Better Ensure Consistency in Grant Program Requirements. Report to Congressional Requesters

摘要

Since 1987, body armor in the form of ballistic-resistant and stab-resistant vests has reportedly saved the lives of over 3,000 law enforcement officers nationwide. Recognizing body armors value, the Department of Justice (DOJ) through its Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and its National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has implemented initiatives to support state and local law enforcement agencies use of body armor. GAO was asked to examine (1) DOJs efforts to support the use of body armor, (2) the extent to which DOJ has designed controls to manage and coordinate these efforts, and (3) the factors affecting body armors use and effectiveness and steps DOJ has taken to address them. GAO reviewed information on DOJs efforts, and interviewed officials from BJA, NIJ, 6 manufacturers, 2 laboratories, 3 law enforcement associations, 10 state and local jurisdictions, and 12 stakeholders in and outside of government. GAO selected these organizations nonrandomly based in part on their size, and location. GAO also examined body armor literature on key factors affecting body armors use and effectiveness and reviewed DOJs efforts to address these factors. GAO recommends that among other actions, DOJ deobligate undisbursed funds from grants in the BVP program that have closed, establish consistent requirements within its body armor grant programs, and track grantees intended stab-resistant vest purchases. DOJ generally agreed with the recommendations.