As part of its commitment to the safety of officers, Tasmania Police has signed a contract to provide contemporary high visibility load bearing and personal protection vests to members.

Every Tasmania Police officer will be issued with a high performance Multi-use Integrated Protection Vest (MIPV) to ensure they have the best protection available in their role in keeping Tasmania a safe community.

“Police officers can face dangerous situations in the course of a normal working day. The new vests ensure they are equipped with the latest safety equipment ready to respond to unexpected incidents,” said Commissioner of Police Darren Hine.

The vests provide ballistic and edged weapon protection to officers. They also have a load bearing capacity for police accoutrements, such as handcuffs, baton, radio and capsicum spray.

“Moving accoutrements from the utility belt to the load bearing vests will be more comfortable for day-long wear. Members will also be more visible in the community because the vests will be worn with a high visibility vest.”

“Policing is by its nature a dangerous profession. We are aiming to provide the safest working environment possible and the vests will be a strategic operational item for all members of Tasmania Police.”

In responding to any incident, operational skills training, policies and practices provide the frontline safety measures. However protective equipment is critical as the last level in risk management.

“Officers undertaking frontline operational duties, including traffic, public order and general duties, will wear the vests as part of their mandatory uniform,” Mr Hine said.

Each vest comes with a high visibility over garment which will be worn by members when conducting general duties. As a result members wearing the vest will be more visible to the public and safer when on duty.

The two stage rollout of the vests will begin with frontline responders in April, followed by deployment to other officers. The process will be complete early next financial year.