Photo: Geoff SloanThirty-one Canterbury police officers have suffered back injuries wearing their upgraded bullet and stab-proof vests. The injuries, usually suffered when entering or exiting vehicles, have prompted police to review how the gear is worn by officers. Injuries are reportedly more likely to occur when the BAS is enhanced by hard armour plates (HAP). Police officers’ union, the New Zealand Police Association, says it is not worried about the numbers of injuries. The new vests weigh about 5kg, with the removable ballistic plates adding about 3.8kg, depending on the size of the officer.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 05, 2021 20:26 UTC