Frontline force frocks up in body armour

With a rise in the use of illegal weapons, police are having to protect themselves with stab-vests. Tim Lamb reports.
The latest in police fashion appears on North Shore streets this week, but some police in Auckland will have to wait a little longer for the new threads. Stab-resistant body armour (SRBA) may not bring sexy back, but police hope they will prove to be another device to help frontline staff feel safer. The vests were first issued in parts of Auckland and Counties-Manukau last year. However, NZ Police announced that other areas of the region would not be kitted out with them until late February. The acting national manager of operations, Inspector Brett Kane, says delivery has had to be extended by a month. ``This will enable the manufacturer and warehouse to build up the necessary stock of SRBA components so that we can supply sufficient numbers of SRBA at one time to a district.'' The body armour, which cost $1000 each, is effective against stabbing and cutting weapons and is based upon that used by police in the United Kingdom. ``We are never going to stop someone punching us or kicking us. But we are looking to give staff more protection and this is the best way of doing that.'' says Inspector Paul Marshall. The 2.8kg vests add a weighty layer to police officers' uniforms, which is likely to be uncomfortable in hot summer months. Inspector Marshall says ensuring staff stay hydrated will be a challenge.