NCJ Number
191869
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 82,84-85,86
Date Published
October 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the evolution of a policy mandating the use of body armor by sworn officers in the Cleveland, Ohio, Division of Police.
Abstract
Despite more than 2,500 documented cases of officers being protected from serious injury or death by body armor, not all police officers routinely use armored vests, claiming that body armor is too restrictive and uncomfortable--thick, heavy, rigid, and hot. However, with the number of deadly assaults against police officers increasing every year nationwide, police agencies are seeking better ways to equip officers with body armor. In 1995 the Cleveland Division of Police began aggressive actions to make mandatory wear policy a reality. The Division issues body armor to all sworn officers and has a policy requiring them to wear it. Saving police lives requires more than personnel, training, equipment, and technology. It requires management leadership and commitment. Cleveland's mandatory-wear policy was a result of management's commitment and of empowering police officers to take an active role in deciding policy details. Police officers and representatives from police labor unions were involved in the planning of the mandatory wear program.