Top cop vouches for bullet proof vests

Both the Police Service and the Regiment yesterday gave the media the unqualified assurance that the bullet-proof vests being used by cops and soldiers are the best available — compatible with both mobility and protection from various bullets. Initial proposals by the Police Service, Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs said, were to have at least 7,000 bullet-proof vests available for its officers. The first tranche involved the acquisition of 2,100 such vests through the Ministry of National Security. Those vests were imported from Israel, widely known as the best producers of such fighting equipment. With the assistance of the Regiment, bullet-proof vests from the shipment were selected at random, and were put through some rigid tests at the Rifle Range at Teteron Barracks. All of the vests, in accordance with specification, were able to withstand all ballistic tests.

Snaggs pointed out, it was evident from the ballistic report submitted by the Regiment that two of the samples were extremely sturdy and did not shift when subjected to multiple shots — a requirement consistent to Level III A rating — a condition that was of paramount importance to the end-user. Samples of bullet-proof vests that were tested were shown to the media yesterday, including a  44-pound vest with armoured plates that would be used in Level IV situations. Such vests it was explained, can be taken up to 60 pounds by installing suitable armoured plates. The problem was though, that such vests would limit mobility. The body armour that was exhibited yesterday had withstood tests from gunfire with no penetration on impact at the accepted limit for trauma effect.

Snaggs assured, “We do not intend to expose any policeman to harm; they are our people.” Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Col Edmund Dillon, also assured, “The bullet-proof vests we have tested satisfied the various levels, including 9 mm ammunition.” Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Trevor Paul, while reiterating the assurances of his colleagues, indicated that the published reports about the vests were inaccurate “to a great measure.” In the wake of the published reports about the bullet-proof vests, Snaggs hinted that the police executive has since met on two occasions with the Police Association. As a matter of policy Snaggs said, such matters, including the purchasing of bullet-proof vests, would be discussed with the association. As Snaggs himself said, he hoped that the assurances from himself, DCP Paul, Brigadier Peter Joseph and Colonel Edmund Dillon, would put to rest all concerns by stakeholders as it related to the suitability of bullet-proof vests used by members of the Police Service.