Testing underway for $15.4m WA armour plan

More than 6000 frontline police officers in Western Australia will be fitted with their own stab-proof vest under a $15.4 million state commitment.

Testing will begin on Monday when around 60 officers are fitted with different styles of multi-threat armour.

"It's a sad fact of our times that our police are increasingly confronted by armed offenders," said WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts.

Ms Roberts cited the escalation of the use in methamphetamine, mental health issues and the availability of weapons as the main physical threats to police officers.

The vests, which won't be compulsory for officers to wear, will be purchased over the next three years.

The 2019-2020 WA state budget will be handed down on May 9.