South Australia Police will provide 2,983 personal issue Multi-Purpose Load Bearing Vests (MPLBV) to protect uniformed police officers and Protective Security Officers from edged weapons and firearms attacks in the coming years.
All uniformed police officers and Protective Security Officers performing frontline operations will be personally issued with Safariland Multi-Purpose Load Bearing Vests after the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services signed a contract with Australian supplier, Aquaterro APS.
These new vests are an advanced piece of protective equipment that will provide extra safety and security for our police officers during situations that involve armed offenders.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Linda Fellows said the vests are a highly visible demonstration of SAPOL's commitment to operational safety and public protection.
"Uniformed officers on the frontline will wear the new vests when conducting operational duties and carrying an exposed firearm," Assistant Commissioner Fellows said.
"This will ensure the highest level of safety for our uniformed police officers and protective security officers."
All vests will be personally measured and fitted, with infrastructure to be installed in each station (where required) for appropriate storage.
