BENDIGO police officers will be among the first in the state to receive new ballistic vests.
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Victoria Police will roll out more than 14,000 of the new-look ballistic vests to all police officers, Protective Services Officers and Police Custody Officers in the next two years.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Nigel Howard said the new vests were developed to improve officer safety.
He said they would align with modern police work and current technologies.
"Our police officers, PSOs and PCOs all had a role to play in developing these new vests, so we know they're fit for purpose and meet the requirements of modern policing," he said.
"The new vests are lighter, allow for greater thermal management and improved freedom of movement with increased adjustability.
"We've also designed these vests to be future-proofed by incorporating better integration with modern policing equipment such as the body worn cameras.
"This is a further step towards modernising Victoria Police and ensuring our officers are equipped with the mechanisms required to perform their duties with safety, comfort and security at the forefront."
Changes from the old vests to the new include
- Safe and streamlined access to equipment
- Improved freedom of movement
- Lighter in weight, and
- Thermal management to adapt to both warm and cold temperatures.
Bendigo police will receive the first vests, along with officers in Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, Knox, Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Horsham, Bass Coast, Melton, and Melbourne West.
From September, academy graduates will also be equipped with the new vest.
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