OUR HISTORY AND MISSION
In-Vest USA began in 1993 when South Carolina businessman Michael Letts first learned that local law enforcement officers were not provided protective vests as a regular part of their personal equipment. Outraged and resolved to correct this situation, Letts formed In-Vest USA, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to help officers in South Carolina.
Twenty-Three years later, In-Vest USA went national with the support of an extensive network of grassroots volunteers as well as corporate sponsors. In-Vest USA now helps raise awareness of the issue and raise funds to distribute free vests and equipment to first responders in communities across America. In 2003 In-Vest USA went national, and in 2004 and every year thereafter the organization was named one of the Top 10 Angel Charities in South Carolina by the Secretary of State. Our mission has stayed the same- Protect Those Who Protect Us. We will not stop until every law enforcement officer in America is provided a free personal body armor vest. According to the financial information filed with the SC Dept of Revenue office, In-Vest USA devoted 98.6% of its total expenses to program services during the fiscal year ending June 2015.
- 14 people who give $1 a week for a year can secure a $700 vest and become a Super Hero to an officer and stop a speeding bullet.
BE A SUPER HERO …
Currently almost 400,000 officers in the US have NO protective vest. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have sworn to protect our families, communities and homeland. Please donate now, become a volunteer or involve your company as a sponsor.
Facts according to FBI statistics:
- An officer not wearing a body armor vest is 14 times more likely to be killed by a firearm than an officer wearing a vest.
- 40% of officers do not have a protective vests (almost 400,000).
- Of those who do have a protective vest to wear on duty, nearly 20% of those vests do not fit properly. A properly fitting vest can mean the difference between life and death.
- Body armor vests must be replaced every 5 years and starts at $700 each, but can cost as much as $3,000, which is a small price to pay for the lives of our law enforcement officers.