Police get bullet-proof, stab-proof vests

STAB vests are now being warn at all times by officers throughout Sussex Police.The new-issue vests are both stab and bullet-resistant. The action has been taken in order to offer police officers protection against the unexpected.

But a combination of the new kit and the much-welcomed decision to put officers back on foot patrol in the town has led some members of the public to jump to the wrong conclusions, says Bexhill commander, Inspector Simon Nelson.

The sight of a police officer walking in the town centre had become so unusual, says the Inspector, that the public assume that the presence of an officer indicates trouble.

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The reverse is the case, says Inspector Nelson. "There have been only five burglaries and six car thefts so far this month."

The new vests offer protection to both the chest and the back. They are provided with attachments for carrying radios and other equipment and plenty of zip-up pockets - so relieving the wearer of much of the weight previously carried on the belt.

Inspector Nelson says: "The trouble is, people see us turning up wearing this and assume it's the OK Corral! The perception is that the town is under siege but that's not the case.

"It's about a duty of care on the part of the employer. Officers have to be suitably equipped to deal with any spontaneous incident.

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"The employers recognise that police officers always face the risk of running into someone with a weapon. Obviously, the chances of coming across an offender with a weapon in Bexhill is a lot less than in other towns."

Standard issue kit carried by officers includes:

*Radio

*Handcuffs

*Pouch containing disposable gloves and mask for resuscitating casualties - plus disinfectant wipes

*Captor pepper spray for disabling violent offenders

*Expandable baton (which has replaced the traditional truncheon)

Officers often also carry a pouch containing fixed-penalty tickets and pocketbook. Others carry a mobile phone, a torch and wear pen-holders.

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