South Australia Police (SAPOL) has announced that the State’s first police officers and community constables to wear personal issue Multi-Purpose Load Bearing Vests AR have done so since last Thursday (12 August).
SAPOL said the rollout would provide around 3,000 uniformed police officers, community constables and protective security officers with additional protection from sharp-edged weapons and firearms attacks.
It said the new vests were an advanced piece of protective equipment that would provide extra safety and security for police officers, community constables and Protective Security Officers during situations that involved armed offenders.
Assistant Commissioner at SAPOL, Linda Fellows said the vests were a highly visible demonstration of police commitment to operational safety and public protection.
“The new vests will be worn when police officers, community constables and protective security officers are conducting operational duties and carrying an exposed firearm,” Assistant Commissioner Fellows said.
“They are lightweight and individually fitted to ensure the officers are protected,” she said.
“This will ensure the highest level of safety for all of our members.”
Minister for Police, Vincent Tarzia said the vests had improved safety of officers posted to police stations at Henley Beach, Parks, Port Adelaide, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor and some regional sites.
“The safety and security of frontline SAPOL officers is being beefed-up with state-of-the-art body armour that offers innovative protection in high-risk situations,” Mr Tarzia said.
“SAPOL officers have never had this layer of back-to-front protection on the beat,” he said.
Mr Tarzia said the $8.5 million project would continue to be rolled out during this financial year, with 2,983 vests to be delivered by Australian supplier Aquaterro (Advanced Product Supplies).
