BODY ARMOUR IMPROVEMENTS ARMOUR
The new third-generation body armour is now available to all forces. PFEW is launching the Body Armour Matters campaign to highlight why it is vital for forces to invest in the latest equipment. The new body armour is a significant improvement on what was previously available. For the first time in policing history, female body armour is available. PFEW National Board member, Belinda Goodwin, said: “It is long overdue that women’s different physicality is recognised in proper fitting body armour. As a young female Met officer, I spent years in discomfort and pain as I squeezed into body armour that simply wasn’t suitable for any female officer. What we finally have is parity with our male colleagues and I know all the female cops out there will breathe a sigh of relief at this.” The new body armour has been improved in other areas too. It provides increased overall
cover. Unfortunately, that is a safety issue as body armour needs to be close to the skin to provide the enhanced protection. We have reminded officers that they will still need to attach kit to their belt or a harness when they need kit outside their winter coats. Now, we are looking to source a Molle TAC vest that can be worn over an outer coat. It has been a mammoth exercise,
than one set of armour or covers for their particular roles.
“More than 2,000 officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were measured and
fitted, and some required more than one set of armour”
coordinated by Staff Officer Karen Williams, Stores Manager Richard Sanders, and Contract Manager Graham Sault, who managed the logistics. More than 2,000 officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were measured and fitted. Some officers required more
It would not have been possible to roll out the armour without the dedication and flexibility of our in-house Stores team to receive, transit and fit all the armour. This has been achieved along with issuing
uniforms to
record levels of new starters, as a result of the Police Uplift Programme. As the first force in the country to rollout the third-generation body armour, we can still learn and improve. However, we are pleased to take the first step forward for UK policing and look forward to embracing the further improvements as more forces roll out the new armour.
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protection, providing better neck and underarm protection and has extended protection, or increased supplementary knife resistance, which translates as better stab and impact resistance. Given the almost-50,000 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument recorded by Police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2022, this means there are almost 50,000 times a year that our members rely on their body armour, and this is why body armour matters. Zac Mader, Operational Policing Lead, noted: “This improved protection can give male and female cops the confidence they need when stepping in harm’s way to protect the public. We would urge all forces to adopt the new body armour as a matter of urgency.”
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