Staffs Police Issue Named Hi-Vis Vests

Mon, 20 April 2009 Courtesy of: Staffordshire Police

New 'hi-vis' vests featuring police officers' names are on the way to Staffordshire.

Following trials in North Staffordshire division, the body armour covers will be issued to every frontline officer in the next few months - boosting their visibility and accessibility in the community.

They'll have embroidered badges showing the officer's initial, surname and collar number, plus four clips to carry kit like radios and mobile data devices.

The vests are part of new uniform going out to IMU (incident management unit) and neighbourhood officers and, to wear when necessary, CID and other plain-clothed officers.

Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Lee, who chairs the force's uniform committee, said: "The personalised vests will help local communities get to know their officers. They're made from lightweight, breathable fabric and, along with the new body armour worn underneath, will offer maximum comfort and protection."

New black T-shirts, designed to be worn comfortably under body armour, have already been sent out. Non-frontline officers will continue to wear white shirts and black ties.

Since last June it's been mandatory for all operational officers in Staffordshire to wear body armour. It was due for replacement, and, following a recent review, new armour should be rolled out in the next few months, together with the hi-vis covers. Each officer will first need to be individually measured up for the kit.