Not for me. With the recent death of a LEO that I knew and liked, I’m wondering if he had a vest. If not, he should have. And that brings me to the questions. If I wanted to donate one to local law enforcement, if they don’t already have them, what does a good one cost? And who makes the good ones?

I suppose I could just donate the money, but I’d like to be sure that the $ goes for an actual protective vest instead of them diverting the money to some other need.

A good vest needs to be fitted to the officer for proper fit. That would make donating the money easier on you, but then you have the issue that you brought up. I started donating to Protection4Paws which provides vests, equipment, medical supplies, etc. for K9s all over the US. My son is a K9 officer and has used them. Just an idea if you don't find a way to do what you're talking about.

That trooper was shot in the face. If he wasn't wearing a vest I would be surprised.

As stated the vests are fitted for each individual officer/deputy/troop. There are different levels of a vest mine is just a standard patrol vest, I wish mine had the side plates in them so if they try to stab you in the side the plates protect your sides. I just over lap as tight as I can get them and pray it will work in that situation. You would be shocked at how many of us are working every day with expired vests on.
If you were to sit down with what ever agency you are wanting to donate vests to and tell them that you want to see the go for the vests pretty sure they will accommodate you. But other side of coin meet with captain or major of patrol and ask him what equipment is he lacking or needs to be updated. You would be amazed at some of the cheap stuff were given to work with. I have had to buy my own wiper blades and windshield washer fluid before.

I am glad I don't have to wear one of those anymore. Most uncomfortable thing ever. We had the outer covers shortly before I went to bigger and better things, they helped, but still uncomfortable.

I know the local DA and the former mayor, so I’ll talk to them to see how to approach this - who to work with.

603 the majority of agencies provide a soft vest. Some smaller agencies may not have the latest greatest but probably have one but may not be mandated to wear it. The soft vest have a shelf life of 5 years and only protect against pistol rounds to a certain fps.

Another option would be to buy and donate a Hard plate vest that protects against rifle rounds that is usually worn for known larger scale calls. A lot of officers don’t have their own hard plate vest. Hard plates can also be adjusted officer to officer if needed

All vest are going to hover a $1000 give or take.

I’m Ok with $1k. Let me talk to the decision makers...when I find who that is.

Mido looks good in his vest too.

Look into donating Angel Armor plates. Those, along with the soft armor when worn together will stop a few rifle rounds. It will give you time to get off the X. A lot better than just a soft vest

Are there any officers on this forum that have a subpar or expired vest? If so, and your department doesn't provide a quality vest, and you can't afford one, PM me.

Point Blank

Nobody should have to donate anything.

That's what I'm sitting here thinking...realizing what I pay in taxes every year and they are putting these guys out there with sub par crap burns my donkey.