The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is equipping its front-line officers with new state-of-the-art vests offering the best protection of any force in the world.
The QPS has signed a contract to ensure the next generation of vests are ready as soon as possible to enhance officer safety.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan said the new integrated load-bearing vests (ILBV) would see police better protected, with the combined ballistic and edged weapon safety features part of operational uniforms for the first time in Queensland’s 168-year policing history.
“Our officers put their lives on the line whenever they respond to highly volatile and dangerous situations, and they should be protected with the latest technology in officer safety equipment,” Mr Ryan said.
“The ILBV will not only allow officers to safely carry their firearm, taser, baton, handcuffs, radio and body-worn camera while performing their duties, but most importantly, provide added protection against offenders who may be armed with knives or firearms.”
Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll said the initiative would be a significant boost to officer safety.
“We have undertaken extensive operational trials of the ILBV in differing climates and situations across the State to inform the final design,” Commissioner Carroll said.
Commissioner Carroll said currently officers must wear an overt ballistic vest on top of a load-bearing vest to be protected from a firearm threat.
“By combining these two important pieces of equipment, our officers can achieve that same protection in one vest, to be worn at all times while on duty,” she said.
