193 replies to this topic

[Burnsy2023]

I saw an officer with new style body armour in black. Does anyone know who are being issued these?

DG, FSU (and other specialised units) and I think proactive teams may also be getting black covers.

[HampshireChris]

DG, FSU (and other specialised units) and I think proactive teams may also be getting black covers.

Word is that when the high-vis covers need replacing they will be replaced with the black. Only a rumour however.

DG, FSU and the likes have a completely different design of stab vest, they are not being replaced.

[5460]

Word is that when the high-vis covers need replacing they will be replaced with the black. Only a rumour however.

DG, FSU and the likes have a completely different design of stab vest, they are not being replaced.

Hmmm I have heard similar, but only on the "national uniform" front rather than anything to do with cost or design.

With regards to FSU and DG units, I thought they wore tac vests anyway? I know that negates for any front pockets, but would work fine over the existing one.

[Slim Jim]

RPU officers have the new black covers for this current body armour, so they do exist and I too have heard the rumour that the yellows will eventually be replaced with the black ones that the RPU officers have (I mean you can't go out in an unmarked car looking like a lighthouse with "Police" written on you...)

[hampshiresaint]

RPU officers have the new black covers for this current body armour, so they do exist and I too have heard the rumour that the yellows will eventually be replaced with the black ones that the RPU officers have (I mean you can't go out in an unmarked car looking like a lighthouse with "Police" written on you...)

Really?

I would have thought RPU would have hi-vis as a big chunk of their time is on roads...? All the RPU officers I have come across have the hi-vis.

[5460]

Really?

I would have thought RPU would have hi-vis as a big chunk of their time is on roads...? All the RPU officers I have come across have the hi-vis.

They'll always have it with them, but being as discrete as possible in the unmarked is preferable Also the full length high vis coat is only required outside of the vehicle under certain conditions!

[HP99]

The body armour does not meet the required standards for fast rosd, so the colour is not an issue.
Fast road needs something with sleeves as well to meet the required level.

[David]

The body armour does not meet the required standards for fast rosd, so the colour is not an issue.
Fast road needs something with sleeves as well to meet the required level.

All of which begs the question, why were hi-vis stabbies issued in the first place?!

The ones I have seen now look terrible: they are grubby, filthy in some cases, worn, faded, everything. In the days of hi-vis jackets when collecting traffic cones it didn't really matter because the jacket could get washed, or a new one was very cheap (well in comparison to stabbies). Now the slightest mark shows and anyone who has collected traffic cones will know what I mean about dirt.

[5460]

All of which begs the question, why were hi-vis stabbies issued in the first place?!

The ones I have seen now look terrible: they are grubby, filthy in some cases, worn, faded, everything. In the days of hi-vis jackets when collecting traffic cones it didn't really matter because the jacket could get washed, or a new one was very cheap (well in comparison to stabbies). Now the slightest mark shows and anyone who has collected traffic cones will know what I mean about dirt.

The fleet of armour needed changing regardless, so that was one drive. Secondly, you don't see officers complaining on warm evenings when they don't have to wear a coat or tabbard for town walking! Thirdly, most of the force don't deal with fast roads routinely.

Yup, they're looking shabby quickly, my armour has finally come back from Hawk, and I'm still unimpressed with the fit even after them having 2 proper tries at attempting to repair/amend it!

[David]

I have to say that I still find mine awkward, both to don and to wear. The old black one 'moulded' to the wearer, this one (so far) hasn't. I honestly don't think it's as comfortable, anyway.

[HampshireChris]

I have to say that I still find mine awkward, both to don and to wear. The old black one 'moulded' to the wearer, this one (so far) hasn't. I honestly don't think it's as comfortable, anyway.

See this is strange, becuase I find the high-vis ones are much more comfortable than the older black ones. It's just the colour that is awful!

I am back in black follow a incident what has put my high-vis out of order for the time being.

[Anthony190]

I must admit that i love all the pockets on the vest but i did like the black one loads more. I recently heard from a student officer in november/december time that they were planning to bring back the black vests in 14 weeks times....reason unknown, but why would the force spend all this money on getting the high-viz ones and then getting rid a few weeks later.

hhmmmmm

[Slim Jim]

Best bet is to wait for confirmation on the Intranet saying that the covers will be replaced. Only then will anyone actually know 100% it is happening.

Edited by Slim Jim, 17 January 2012 - 04:14 PM.

[Burnsy2023]

I must admit that i love all the pockets on the vest but i did like the black one loads more. I recently heard from a student officer in november/december time that they were planning to bring back the black vests in 14 weeks times....reason unknown, but why would the force spend all this money on getting the high-viz ones and then getting rid a few weeks later.

hhmmmmm

Rumours. That's all they are. I think that the aforementioned student officer hasn't got a very reliable source.

[adslegend]

If the black covers don't have the annoying and uncomfortable shoulder support issue, then I want them back Mine has only started doing it since I washed the covers, and it is really frustrating.

[David]

I must admit that i love all the pockets on the vest

Oh without doubt, plus one from me. The pockets are absolutely amazing and it's quite surprising what you can actually get into them to be honest.

[Anthony190]

Oh without doubt, plus one from me. The pockets are absolutely amazing and it's quite surprising what you can actually get into them to be honest.

Thats one thing that i really am glad they went for, I have a notepad for jotting little things to remember like and missing person descriptions that get put over the air in our area and address of where we're going, My PNB, all my FPN's and PND's, evidence bags, property bags and tags, map book, cannabis warnings, street bail forms, seatbelt cutter and window punch and loooads more...my vest is like mary poppin's bag!!!

[longtermsc]

Oh without doubt, plus one from me. The pockets are absolutely amazing and it's quite surprising what you can actually get into them to be honest.

I keep burgers and kebabs in my pockets! Never know when you'll be caught short

[5460]

Oh without doubt, plus one from me. The pockets are absolutely amazing and it's quite surprising what you can actually get into them to be honest.

Did they really need to have such big flaps on them?!