When exterior carriers entered the law enforcement scene in Chicago around 12 years ago, officers began to recognize the benefits and talk about the increased comfort and utility of the external approach. As the word spread, so did departments' willingness to allow officers to use them. Officers found the external carriers could be used to help balance their equipment strategically rather than carrying the additional weight of the added items around their lower back. The exterior carrier also permitted better venting from excess heat and many officers appreciated the quick donning and doffing offered by external carriers.
A Look at One Agency's Experience
Boca Raton, Fla., Police Chief Daniel C. Alexander works closely with his command staff and officers to promote officer safety, especially when it comes to wearing body armor. Several years ago, the department worked with the officers' bargaining unit in the implementation of a mandatory-wear policy for body armor. Approximately three years ago, officers asked that external vest carriers be considered for many of the reasons outlined above. The command staff evaluated the idea and considered the feasibility of the proposal. The end result: Adoption of an external carrier that permitted more comfortable body armor wear and overall improved capability for flexibility and placement of additional gear.
Alexander explains that the "evolution has been gradual" among agencies and that "many in command positions fail to recognize the tools we have added to the gun belt over the years. Equipment, such as Tasers, mini flashlights, expandable batons, cell phones, microphones, OC and body-worn cameras …," are now part of officers' everyday attire, along with the traditional assigned gear (e.g., service weapon, extra magazines, handcuffs and radios). With a properly designed carrier, many items can now be placed securely in external pockets, allowing officers a choice regarding where they position equipment on their vest and belt.
Boca Raton PD chose the MOLLE system for gear carry. Although there are parameters in the department policy regarding where equipment can be placed, there's a high degree of flexibility.
Safety First
Situations today require officers to approach scenes in a more tactical manner and safety is paramount. Exterior carriers are very different from traditional under armor; officers can't expect to just put it over their uniform without becoming familiar with the placement of gear. As with any issued piece of equipment (e.g., service weapon, batons, OC, etc.), officers must practice, learn and understand how best to make the exterior carrier work for them and also realize that it isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
"From a safety perspective, officers need to recognize that exterior carriers are more visible, meaning an offender can more easily grab the officer and could consciously target areas not covered by the vest. Officers need to train while wearing their vests, particularly during defensive tactics and firearms exercises," says Alexander.
The Look
Some departments have been slow to embrace the external carriers over concern that they present too much of a tactical look. Alexander's response: "We made an effort to design a clean presentation for the vest and the accessories. We didn't focus just on the vest. It was important to identify the right shirt and pants. Because the implementation was gradual, some citizens thought officers responding in the new uniform were members of a specialized team. Over time, people simply got used to the new look."
Leading by Example
Command officers must be willing to adapt to change and follow through with staff on those changes. Gone are the days of simply issuing directives to officers and expecting blind compliance. Why? Today's officers are more educated, and the Internet has brought the world to them. With that comes knowledge and information, as well as the ability to recognize similar problems faced by officers worldwide. Today's officers can now absorb this information and present it to their command staff with alternatives in a more intelligent and confident manner, pointing out the pros and cons. Command staff has a responsibility to listen and consider the overall needs of the officers in balance with the expectations of the community. And, when it comes to armor, leaders need to set a good example by wearing their vest.
For the Boca Raton Police Department, the Below 100 principle of wearing the vest is reinforced everyday by Alexander himself "to demonstrate a safety mindset by also looking the part."
By working together, departments can increase safety among their officers. For those areas with representation, bargaining units can play a major role in supporting mandatory-wear policies and suggesting the consideration of external carriers.
As for the cost of exterior carriers, they're around $100–200, but that shouldn't stop a department from considering outfitting their officers.
Alexander offers this piece of advice for departments looking to upgrade to the exterior carrier. "When … evaluating options, don't go it alone. There are a number of police leaders who are experimenting with different approaches to improving safety and functionality. Talk to them, and learn from their experiences. At the same time, make sure you do what's right by your community's standards. Involve your policymakers in the process. Because of the explosive growth of online resources, our officers are more knowledgeable than ever before. As the most important end users, it also just makes sense to get their input."
A Concern over Armor Funding
Since 1999, the federal government's BulletproofVest Program (BVP) has provided up to 50% reimbursement to state and local departments nationwide on the purchase of ballistic armour. The program is currently held up in Congress and may be in jeopardy if not passed, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) has reintroduced it and is encouraging officers nationwide to contact their elected officials to urge support. For more information, visit http://armormatters.lawofficer.com/2013/06/bulletproof-vest-program-update/.
Gailynne M. Ferguson is a former law enforcement officer from Chester County (PA), former EMT/EMS trainer with ARCO Chemical R & D World Headquarters, is a paralegal and a freelance writer. She can be contacted at [email protected].
