Loading Bearing Vests for Patrol
SurveyMonkey survey distributed by CPCA 6/29/2012
Data collected and presented 7/16/12
Cmdr. John P. Miller
Pacific Grove Police Dept.
99 Responses received
1. Does your agency allow Patrol personnel to wear an external load bearing vest?
Yes 53.5% (53)
No 46.5% (46)
2. Does the load bearing vest also contain the officer's body armor?
Yes 69.6% (48)
No 30.4% (21)
3. Has your agency collected any empirical data supporting the use of the load bearing vest reduces workers compensation claims?
Yes 9.1% (8)
No 90.9% (80)
4. Has there been any officer safety issues identified concerning the vests (please check all that apply)?
Equipment protection/retention 28.6% (6)
Identification of vest as body armor by suspects 14.3% (3)
Suspects holding onto vest 23.8%5
Officers "hooking" hands in vest 23.8% (5)
Decrease in mobility 28.6% (6)
Interference with driving 9.5% (2)
Interference with shooting 9.5% (2)
Training/equipment "muscle memory" 57.1% (12)
5. Does your department purchase the load bearing vest?
Yes 26.6% (21)
No 73.4% (58)
6. Has there been any response from the community regarding the wearing of the vests?
Negative 5.8% (4)
Positive 18.8% (13)
None 75.4% (52)