March 30, 2023 Sacramento city lawmakers approved the purchase of new, lighter vests that would provide added protection for police officers against rifle rounds.
Source officer.com News
A California police department plans to spend $600,000 to equip officers with rifle-resistant bulletproof vests.
Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester held a presentation for city council members in order to get purchases of the vests approved, KCRA-TV reports. Although the department has the $600,000 in the budget for the gear, all purchases of $250,000 or more require an OK from the council.
“I think it’s just really important to give the best protection we can to our police officers,” said Lester.
Officers’ current vests don’t provide protection against rifle rounds, and the new vests would include a composite plate that slides into a front and back pocket. With only a half-inch of thickness, the equipment also is lighter than the vests officers wear now.
The city council approved the purchase of the vests, with one council member abstaining.