The first South Australia Police officers and community constables to receive a personal issue Multi-Purpose Load Bearing Vests (MPLBV) are on the road today.
The rollout will provide around 3,000 uniformed police officers, community constables and protective security officers with additional protection from sharp edged weapons and firearms attacks in the coming years.
These new vests are an advanced piece of protective equipment that will provide extra safety and security for our police officers, community constables and Protective Security Officers during situations that involve armed offenders.
Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows said the vests are a highly visible demonstration of SAPOL's 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, they are light weight and individually fitted to ensure the officers are protected" Assistant Commissioner Fellows said.
"This will ensure the highest level of safety for all of our members."
Minister for Police, Vincent Tarzia said the safety of officers posted to police stations at Henley Beach, Parks, Port Adelaide, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, and some regional sites, is already boosted.
"The safety and security of front line SAPOL officers offers better protection with state-of-the-art body armour that offers innovative protection in high-risk situations," Minister Tarzia said.
"SAPOL officers have never had this layer of back-to-front protection on the beat."
The $8.5 million project will continue to be rolled out during this financial year.
