WHEREAS, South Carolina law enforcement officers protect our citizens from crime and violence, even when it may mean putting their own lives in jeopardy; and

WHEREAS, the State has a duty to take all measures to provide these public servants with the means necessary to protect themselves in a dangerous profession; and

WHEREAS, bullet proof vests have been shown to protect officers from acts of violence; and

WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has appropriated a sum of money to assist states in purchasing bullet proof vests for law enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, in order for state law enforcement agencies to receive funding under this program, the chief executive of each state must determine a process by which the funds are administered, or appoint a designee agency to assume these duties; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, through its Office of Safety and Grants, presently administers United States Department of Justice grant funds and is able to administer the Bulletproof Vest Program in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby direct the Department of Public Safety to act as the lead state agency for South Carolina in the Bullet Proof Vest Program in all matters of administration.

I further hereby direct the Department of Public Safety to convene a committee of representatives from state agencies, who employ commissioned law enforcement officers and wish to participate, to provide recommendations to the Department of Public Safety concerning the fair and equitable distribution of program funds for bullet proof vests.

This Order shall take effect immediately.