The state is giving $49,000 to local law enforcement agencies to outfit police officers and sheriff's deputies with body armor.
Local law enforcement agencies must apply for the grants from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. They also must match the state grant with local funding.
This year's grants will help buy vests that protect against bullets and knives for officers across the state, from the Cumberland Police Department in Allegany County to the Ocean City Police Department in Worcester County.
In the Baltimore region, the Baltimore Police Department is receiving $14,040, the Howard County Police Department is receiving $6,840 and the Carroll Community College Office of Public Safety and Security is receiving $1,306.
Last year, the state gave $49,077 in body armor grants, including $15,152 to the Baltimore Police Department, $8,468 to the Baltimore County Police Department, $335 to the Town of Sykesville and $661 to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.
Officials couldn't say how many vests will be bought with this year's grants. Last year's grants purchased 138 vests.
The state's body armor grant program was created in 1995.
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