Qld police roll out high-tech vests to boost officer safety

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will soon be better protected, with state-of-the-art vests to be rolled out across the state. The QPS has signed a contract to ensure the vests will be on-line soon to better protect officers and keep them safe. Police Minister Mark Ryan said the new integrated load-bearing vests (ILBV) will see police better protected, with the combined ballistic and edged weapon safety features part of the police officer’s operational uniform for the first time in Queensland’s 168-year policing history. Minister Ryan said the ILBV will allow officers to safely carry their firearm, taser, baton, handcuffs, radio and body-worn camera while performing their duties — they will also provide added protection against offenders who may be armed with knives or firearms.

“Our officers put their lives on the line whenever they respond to highly volatile and dangerous situations, and they should be protected with the latest technology in officer safety equipment. The Palaszczuk government is supporting our world-class Service and ensuring the safety of our police and communities,” Ryan said.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the $20 million-plus initiative will boost officer safety. “We have undertaken extensive operational trials of the ILBV in differing climates and situations across the state to inform the final design. I’m very pleased we will see each frontline officer issued with their individual integrated load-bearing vest to improve their safety as they continue protecting our communities.”

Currently, officers must wear an overt ballistic vest on top of a load-bearing vest to be protected from a firearm threat. “By combining these two important pieces of equipment, our officers can achieve that same protection in one vest, to be worn at all times while on duty,” Carroll said.

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers congratulated the government for this investment that will benefit frontline police. “I’ve been a strong advocate for this equipment, insisting it’s a fit-for-purpose design and with a high protection rating that provides every officer wearing it the best opportunity to go home safely at the end of their shift. The safety of our frontline police is an absolute priority and I’m confident this ILBV with its full armour will become an essential part of equipment for first response police,” Leavers said.

Image credit: iStock.com/chameleonseye