NSW police get new protective vests

NSW police will be fitted out with new light-armour vests to protect them from bullets and stabbings.

The vests can stop bullets from pistols, shotguns, and certain types of long arm guns, and particularly injuries from bladed weapons.

The move follows a similar rollout in Western Australia in July when frontline officers received stab-proof vests as part of new safety measures.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and Police Minister Troy Grant today announced the rollout of the new vests.

“These vests come after a six-month trial. Over the coming months we’ll have the capability of rolling out thousands of these vests to frontline police,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Two types of vests have been revealed, an overt vest and a covert lighter style. Both will provide similar protection.

“When police get deployed into dangerous situations, it’s not always about using a firearm or a taser, sometimes it’s about what defensive strategies they have to minimise injuries to officers.”

Police Minister Troy Grant said the new protective wear will reduce the likelihood of officers being injured by knives or sharp objects – a risk greater than being injured by a firearm.