BODY ARMOR



	Model Policy


Effective Date December 1, 1989		Number	
Subject Body Armor			
Reference		Special Instructions	
Distribution	Reevaluation Date November 30, 1990	No. Pages	

I.	PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide law enforcement officers with guidelines for the proper use and care of body armor.


II.	DISCUSSION
It is the policy of this law enforcement agency to maximize officer safety through the use of body armor in conjunction with the practice of prescribed safety procedures.  While body armor provides a significant level of protection, it is not a substitute for sound, basic safety procedures.


III.	PROCEDURES
	A.	Issuance of Body Armor
		1.	All body armor issued must comply with the current minimum protective standards prescribed by the National Institute of Justice.
		2.	All law enforcement officers shall be issued body armor.
		3.	Body armor that is worn or damaged shall be replaced by the agency.  Body armor that must be replaced due to misuse or abuse by the officer shall be paid for by the officer.
	B.	Use of Body Armor
		1.	Body armor shall be worn during recruit and field training.
		2.	Both law enforcement officers that are assigned to a uniformed function and nonuniformed sworn officers are required to wear the issued body armor while engaged in field activities while on or off duty unless exempted as follows:
			a.	When an agency-approved physician determines that an officer has a medical condition that would preclude use of body armor;
			b.	When the officer is involved in undercover or plainclothes work that his supervisor determines would be compromised by use of body armor;
			c.	When the officer is assigned to perform an administrative function; or
			d.	When the department determines that circumstances make it inappropriate to mandate body armor.
		3.	Officers shall wear only agency-approved body armor.
	C.	Inspections of Body Armor
		1.	Supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that body armor is worn and maintained as required by this policy by a periodic documented inspection of their employee's body armor.
		2.	Periodic random testing of departmental body armor shall be done by the individual responsible for the uniform supply function through a certified laboratory.
		3.	There shall be an annual inspection of all body armor for fit, cleanliness, signs of damage, abuse and wear.
	D.	Care and Maintenance of Body Armor
		1.	Each law enforcement officer is responsible for the proper storage of body armor in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and daily inspection for signs of damage and general cleanliness.
		2.	As dirt and perspiration may erode ballistic panels, each officer shall be responsible for cleaning his body armor in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
		3.	Officers are responsible for reporting any damage or wear to the ballistic panels or cover to the individual responsible for the uniform supply function.
	E.	Training
		The training officer shall be responsible for maintaining the following information:
		1.	Technological advances in the body armor industry that may necessitate a change in body armor.
		2.	A description of weapons and ammunition currently in use, and whether or not issued body armor can withstand their impact.
		3.	Training programs that inform the officers about body armor, and emphasize its safe and proper use.
		4.	Statistics on incidents where armor has or has not protected officers from harm, including traffic accidents.


	BY ORDER OF



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	CHIEFS OF POLICE