New body armour to help keep Police safe

Police Commissioner Mike Bush has today announced that new, enhanced body armour will be delivered to all Police officers in New Zealand over the next three years.
 
Police has signed a contract with Cooneen Protection for the manufacture and supply of the new body armour system, and with Tactical Solutions – Cooneen Protection’s New Zealand agents – to provide ongoing logistical support, including measuring and fitting.
 
“As Police, our vision is for New Zealand to be the safest country, and that starts with our staff. To keep communities safe, first Police must keep themselves safe,” Mr Bush says.
 
“So today I’m proud to announce we are investing in a new body armour system that will help keep Police safe.
 
“With more than a million interactions with the public every year, the vast majority of New Zealanders engage with us appropriately. However, it’s unfortunately the nature of Police work that some people want to harm us.
 
“Existing body armour remains safe and fit for purpose and I am confident that it will continue to keep Police safe while we roll out new body armour over the next three years.
 
“However, with advances in technology over the past 10 years, we have an opportunity to enhance Police body armour with a new, innovative body armour system that feels lighter and more comfortable, is more adjustable and customisable, while retaining all of the safety benefits of current body armour.”
 
The new armour is more adjustable and it better integrates the ballistic armour into the stab resistant armour and provides individually-issued tactical pouches. This gives Police staff options about where they carry their tactical equipment such as radio, OC spray, baton and handcuffs.
 
Police officers will also have direct access to their tactical equipment while wearing newly-designed high-visibility jackets.
 
“Police are often required to wear body armour for long shifts, in all weather, while remaining active. That’s why it’s so important the new body armour is more comfortable and easier to wear for long periods of time.”
 
Measuring and fitting of body armour is a key part of the process to ensure the armour is comfortable and safe. Police is partnering with Tactical Solutions, who will provide specialist measure and fit services across New Zealand, so Police have the right armour for their body size and shape.
 
The new body armour will be delivered to all Police officers over the next three years, between January 2019 and mid-2022.
 
“We’re investing in 1800 extra Police in the coming years. Today’s announcement ensures we are continuing to equip our staff with the tools they need to do their jobs safely in our communities every day.”
 
ENDS
 
Notes to editor
 
Police is investing $20.7m over four years to replace the existing body armour with the new body armour system. This includes making the body armour, measuring and fitting each officer correctly for a custom fit, and rolling out the new body armour across the country.
 
The body armour replacement process began in 2014 with a substantial review of current body armour. The review found that the current level of protection is sufficient to meet risks in an operational environment. However, opportunities were identified for enhancement, especially for carriage of equipment, comfort, and integration of ballistic armour plates. Police sought independent advice from Police operational staff and established a user group of frontline staff – including male and female officers, dog handler, highway patrol, and CIB. Feedback from this group was instrumental in selecting the new body armour system.
 
All Police officers will receive the new body armour. SRBA is worn by staff in response roles, when dealing with the public, and as the tactical situation calls for it.
Both current and new armour meet international safety standards for both stab and ballistic resistance. Every year a sample of our SRBA is tested by an independent laboratory in the UK to ensure it meets the required standard.
 
Examples of body armour preventing harm
 
Quotes taken from Police officers following incidents involving the existing Stab Resistant Body Armour (SRBA).
 
Anonymous Officer 1: “Upon entry [Subject] hit me with the crow bar to my chest area which I did not sustain an injury from as it hit my SRBA.”
 
Anonymous Officer 2: “My perceived cumulative assessment of his behaviour was that he intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm. This was based on the fact he had two substantially large knives in his possession, he ran at me with them and attempted to stab me with them. One knife which was 30cm in length was pushed into my chest but was stopped by my SRBA and the other was held above his head but before he could use it [Officer] had taken him to the ground.”
 
Anonymous Officer 3: “…he lashed out with his fists and struck me in the chest area…The offender continued to strike out at me with his fists and legs, due to this and his large size I was unable to turn him over and felt in danger of injury. The offender punched me in the chest several more times…Only my SRBA protected me from injury from the offender’s punches and kicks during this arrest.”