The department expects to start receiving the new equipment by September, about $5 million of which is covered by the NYPD’s budget and another $2.5 million from the Office of Management and Budget. Both officers were shot and killed while sitting in their patrol auto in Brooklyn in 2014 by a gunman who apparently wanted revenge on cops for the deaths of Eric Garner in Staten Island and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
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But de Blasio already faces a tough re-election campaign, even with Bratton, one of the most prominent police executives in the country. “We have to make sure we’re taking every measure available to protect our officers with the latest gear and the latest technology”, said Mayor deBlasio.
Bratton said the roll-out of the vests and helmets could take a couple months, and more may be ordered if necessary.
O’Neill said that two ballistic vests will be put in 3,000 patrol vehicles in all precincts, transit districts and police service areas.
The helmets are similar to those American soldiers use in combat.
“These types of vests would not be routinely worn by our officers”, Bratton said.
The new equipment was called a half-measure by Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch, who represents rank-and-file officers.
He said the new bullet-proof vests are capable of stopping rounds fired from the type of weapon used in the Baton Rouge shooting that killed three officers and the Dallas shooting that left five officers dead and seven wounded.
“In the meantime, the mayor and police commissioner remain focused on continuing to drive crime down and improve the community-police relationship”.
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“He raised the issue, and the mayor delivered – just like he’s always done”, Finan said.
