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Main Page Should auxiliarys be issued bulletproof vests?
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: EXTRACOP

Im just wondering how the regular officers on this site feel about this Question. Thanks.

Posted by: Wolfman

There's no such thing as a bullet proof vest. Learn the terminology, then maybe you can use the tools.

Posted by: EXTRACOP

Sorry, I stand corrected wolfman, bad wording on my part. [Body armor] I apologize for my ignorance

Posted by: JoninNH

And it's Television Equipment Service Technician/Specialist... not TV Repairman.

Posted by: lofu

It depends:
1) Does the department issue all your other equip. or do you buy it yourself?

2) Do you respond to calls, either by yourself or with a full time officer?

3) Do you drive around in cars marked "police?"

4) Do you make car stops?

If you answer yes to these four questions then I say sure, you should be issued a "bullet-proof vest."

You should be careful what you wish for though as it may be cheaper to disband the auxillary police than by them all vests.

Posted by: JoninNH

I think if you answer yes to any of the bottom three, you should get a vest, even if the dept. doesn't issue it, buy your own. If you think about it, a few hundred dollars would really be worth it in the long run.

Posted by: EXTRACOP

I own and wear my vest, even when just doing traffic. However we do sex offender registation, parking enforcement, crimewatch ect. in a marked cruiser and ride alongs with the regulars. In response to lufo about the money issue im told the department has enough older vest that could be issued.

Posted by: JoninNH

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXTRACOP

I own and wear my vest, even when just doing traffic. However we do sex offender registation, parking enforcement, crimewatch ect. in a marked cruiser and ride alongs with the regulars. In response to lufo about the money issue im told the department has enough older vest that could be issued.

Uh-oh... how old are we talking here?

Posted by: EXTRACOP

How old may be the problem . The material in the vest degrades doesn't it? My only thought was its better than nothing. However im sure there is a liability problem here.

Posted by: frank

I agree 100% what Jon says.

Who cares what a full timer thinks about an auxiliary getting issued a vest?

The bottom line is that the only person that looks out for #1 is #1.

My personal feeling is that the department should issue it...but if they don't - absolutely go out and buy your own. If you go to a police supply store that does contract pricing for departments (such as Greater Boston Police Council), explain your situation and ask them if they will sell you a vest to you at the contract price...my experience has been that they will usually do it.

If you know what your size is and you can't spend the cash on a new vest, look on eBay.

Posted by: texdep

yes

Posted by: jeh2005

I agree. If you are in uniform, you should have a vest. If you carry, the vest should minimally cover the caliber that you carry.

Also, look into Federal and State grants. Waltham supplied all of their Auxiliaries with vests back in the late 90's with no cost to the department. The do not carry but do their own patrols, traffic assignments, ride-alongs, and bike patrol downtown.

Posted by: Pacman

I have a few points on this. (Representing Waltham here.)
1. Because I am full-time, that makes me regular? Are you irregular then? Of course not, Full-Time - Part-Time to me.
2. We bought our Auxiliary officers vests via the State/Federal vest reimbursement program. Issuing an old vest is a huge safety issue. Second Chance vest degraded while sitting on shelves let alone on officers in performance of thier duties.
3. If you are in Uniform, a Marked unit, and are not wearing a vest you are a damn fool.

Posted by: pchockey01

If you're in uniform or cruiser then you should wear a vest. Most people don't know the difference between auxiliaries and a full-time officers, which means you're a target just the same.

Posted by: blueline21

While on the subject, does anyone know of any Boston/South Shore Auxiliary departments that DO NOT provide vests for their officers?

Posted by: Badge 17

Newton Aux. do marked cruiser patrols and unpaid details around the city and DO NOT get an issued vest from the dept. If you go out and buy one on your own then you may wear it...

Posted by: 209

If you are in uniform in the public you should have a vest if you want to wear it. No question. Its just common sense....If any sworn Officer gives you crap for it ignore them, its your life, you've only got one. Its best to protect yourself than to be lying on the sidewalk bleeding out with a GSW to the abdomen that could possible have been stopped by a vest that you didnt wear because somebody gave you a hard time about wearing one.

Posted by: TC66

Quote:

Originally Posted by 209

If any sworn Officer gives you crap for it ignore them, its your life, you've only got one.

i'm tyring to figure out any imaginable circumstance, why any dept personnel would possibly give anyone a hard time regarding a vest.

Posted by: RCPD33

Our department does not issue or reimburse for vests, but highly "encourages" you to obtain one that at least will stop the caliber of ammo you carry and wear it. Why on earth wouldn't you wear one if your in a marked cruiser, doing patrols. The bad guys won't stop to read the word "AUX" on your badge.

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