THE roll-out of new bullet-resistant and knife-resistant vests has been hailed as a police safety measure.
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About 300 Tasmania Police officers have already been given the new high-visibility personal protection vests, with a further 700 to be distributed by July.
The vests were manufactured in Victoria at a cost of $1.8 million, and will eventually be worn by every officer in the state.
‘‘We are committed to the safety of officers, who respond to incidents that can unexpectedly become a dangerous situation,’’ Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.
‘‘Officers undertaking frontline operational duties, including traffic, public order and general duties, will wear the vests as part of their mandatory uniform.’’
The load-bearing capacity for police accoutrements, such as handcuffs, baton, radio and capsicum spray, provides a more comfortable fit for daylong wear.
Police Association of Tasmania president Pat Allen lauded the vests as a safety feature but added that nothing would be safer than having more police numbers on the street.
