New Vest

[MaHoTex]

Click for story and pictures:

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_1eb5f84f-1c66-565c-9c94-81774e243a0b.html?mode=story

First off, this vest looks like overkill to me. Kinda like many of the AR rifle pics you see around here. Tacticool stuff hanging all over it. Anyway, in the article the statement that caught my eye was that officers would have to pay for this out of their own pocket if they wanted to use it. Is that normal? I mean, having to pay for your own vest out of your own pocket? If so, that seems ridiculous to me.

[Axewound]

If it helps them do there job then it's fine. Plus I'm sure they are issued the soft body armor and may purchase the outer carrier if the desire.

[zfields]

Not an LEO, but I think there is a certian Level of professional apperance that is expected of officers. I know localy, the Day shift guys have a much different uniform policy then graves.

Day was much cleaner, and more Officer Friendly, pressed uniforms, polished boots

Night shift got do wear BDUs and matte boots. Didnt know of any that I worked with / had contact with that went tacticool vest though.

[Larker]

It's pretty much the same thing as military body armor. Level 3A Kevlar with ceramic plate inserts.

For LEO duties, I actually prefer a duty belt and second chance vest. The Air Force Security Forces already does a rig similar to this fashion because they carry their M4's with them on duty (Army MP's only carry M9's for LEO).

I think an over vest stored in the trunk with plates (no kevlar) in it and extra ammo for your long rifle, and any other gear you'd need for a more dangerous response to throw over your typical road gear is more practical than walking around in a full kit all day.

[SJgunguy24]

I've seen a few Fresno and Morgan Hill officers rolling with a rig like that. That's my "BLM shooting with strangers" rig. 3a with full plates.

[Diabolus]

Whatever makes the Officers job easier. I hope they are following up with new training since the equipment is in different locations. From my experience, mag re-loads would be slowed down a bit, especially if one doesn't train with that system.

[J_B]

Too much hanging off the vest. I wouldn't want to wear that thing. I would rather go with a plate carrier that's kept in the trunk.

I can see one of us asking if we can wear that type of vest. It'd go something like this, "AHHAHAHAHHA, seriously?"

I am working on putting together a PC that has my rifle mags and few other things on it. Have the ESAPI's now just have to decide on LBT, Paraclete or Mayflower.

[J_B]

Not an LEO, but I think there is a certian Level of professional apperance that is expected of officers. I know localy, the Day shift guys have a much different uniform policy then graves.

Day was much cleaner, and more Officer Friendly, pressed uniforms, polished boots

Night shift got do wear BDUs and matte boots. Didnt know of any that I worked with / had contact with that went tacticool vest though.

My lil bro worked graves up there in your area and wore a tacticool vest. It didn't look nearly has jumbled as Escondido's.

I think with the new Chief, they went away from them but still get to wear thigh holsters.

[Stockton]

Now obviously a humvee/turret/tank is way different from a patrol car but how much room with that setup would you have in your vehicle? Fricken steering wheel was in my chest with our stuff. Turret work is a little different if you have a detach chest rig.

[zfields]

My lil bro worked graves up there in your area and wore a tacticool vest. It didn't look nearly has jumbled as Escondido's.

I think with the new Chief, they went away from them but still get to wear thigh holsters.

The old santa rosa cheif only allowed them at night I think. The new one lets thigh all shifts I belive, If you wouldnt mind, PM his name, curious if I know him.

[Notorious]

Too much junk. I never liked the outer vest carrier concept. I like the traditional gear and outfit, that's just me.

If you are going to go tacticool, get on a team.

[Hopalong]

With all the stuff hanging off the front upper body, it looks to me like a guy's back would get to hurting after a while.

Better stay 25 years old for life.

[fullrearview]

Too much hanging off the vest. I wouldn't want to wear that thing. I would rather go with a plate carrier that's kept in the trunk.

I can see one of us asking if we can wear that type of vest. It'd go something like this, "AHHAHAHAHHA, seriously?"

I am working on putting together a PC that has my rifle mags and few other things on it. Have the ESAPI's now just have to decide on LBT, Paraclete or Mayflower.

I was thinking of getting the blackhawk leg rig for my tazer, and then have the quick disconect for that reason.....http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Tac...rm,814,112.htm



I will say this, I have had to go to a few calls in my bdu's and tactical gear after we got out of the field....I have this carrier.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/STRIKE-Cutaway-Armor-3A-STV-VIP-Slick,1227,90.htm

It's very comfortable. That being said, citizens freak out when they see that stuff.

[bshnt2015]

I've seen this and some agencies will allow the LEO to wear this type of vest. The MOLLE concept allow the officer/deputy to set up how he/she wants to carry their gear/pouch/radio. This also allows the wearer to shift the weight of the gear around and reduce fatigue on the lower back-try sitting in a tight patrol car for 10-12 hrs. I use a similar vest cover for other types of LEO work. A thigh holster or hanging gear off your non gun side get tangled up after awhile.

Some may say to "para-military" looking but as LEO work continues to change and evolve. The first responder patrol officer is task to address various incidents-active shooter to man made disaster, perhaps having a vest that is flexible is a good thing.