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Trooper
 
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 9/25/2008 7:46 PM
Posts: 624,
Visits: 328
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Our assistant chief has just decided to make a change in our issue body armor. Currently, we issue second chance level IIIA. (luckily, only two monarchs have been purchased). The vests are very popular and seem to work very well. This chief is 28 years into his career, and just came to our department 18 months ago. He admittedly never wore a vest for the 3 years he was on patrol before becoming admin.
He has decided that, according to all his "research", the officers should only be issued with a level II vest. This is because the IIIA is "too hot", and an officer need only be protected against his own weapon, as so many officers are killed with their own sidearm.
Anyone have any info on this "research" he's talking about? Anyone have similar experiences? Our department FOP lodge is already drafting a letter with the signatures of spouses on it to be delivered to the city council, mayor and city manager. We'll see how it goes!
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President for Life
Group: Moderators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 1:40 PM
Posts: 5,170,
Visits: 5,484
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I have the research at the office.
25-35% of the LEO killed in the line of duty are shot with our own weapons.
85% of us who get disarmed are later shot with our own weapons.
Comfort is key, if the vest is too uncomfortable, the troops will not wear them, regardless of what general orders say. If your bargaining unit requires that the vests meet NIJ standards, the vests must be waterproofed, adding additional heat. It might not seem like much in Utah, but here in sunny South Georgia, (where it will hit 88 today, in October, and the temps reach the 100's with 905 humidity) it means all the difference.
IMNSHO, 3A is too hot and stiff for patrol officers, nearly every guy who goes and spends his own money to get a 3a, stops wearing it within the year.
 The Second Amendment - America's Homeland Defense All Your Base are Belong to Us 
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Trooper
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 9/25/2008 7:46 PM
Posts: 624,
Visits: 328
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| Irish, thanks for the link. Mark, I hear ya when you talk about the heat. In my time, I never saw much difference in the misery produced by a 3A as compared to that of a lower vest. Our department has a "must wear" policy for all uniformed personnel. In the research you have, does it mention that placement of shots on LEO's killed with their own weapons? I'm just wondering how many of them are shots to the head as compared to the torso. Let me know. Be safe guys!
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