Bulletproof vests cause back injuries for Canterbury police

Thirty-one Canterbury police officers have suffered back injuries wearing their upgraded bullet and stab-proof vests.

Since the $20.7 million roll-out of UK-manufactured Ballistic Armour System (BAS) started on December 1, 2019, there has been 155 cases across New Zealand to April 31 this year, the latest figures show.

Canterbury recorded the second highest number of injuries, followed by the Counties Manukau district (40).

The injuries, usually suffered when entering or exiting vehicles, have prompted police to review how the gear is worn by officers. Injuries are reportedly more likely to occur when the BAS is enhanced by hard armour plates (HAP).

Police officers must have HAP with them whenever they are deployed, but it is only mandatory to wear them when attending an incident where firearms are, or could, be present.

However, some officers have opted to wear HAP at all times.

Police officers’ union, the New Zealand Police Association, says it is not worried about the numbers of injuries.

"We are not concerned with the very limited number of injuries, given the vests are used every day across New Zealand by thousands of officers," said association president Chris Cahill.

"But we accept they were never designed to have the ballistic plates worn full-time, which, due to the increased risks of firearms, many officers are choosing to do.

"We understand police are aware of this and are considering options to address this, one of which is to encourage officers experiencing issues to have their vests refitted to see if this can alleviate the issue.”

Body armour supplier Cooneen Protection’s vest superseded the heavier armour introduced in 2006.

The new vests weigh about 5kg, with the removable ballistic plates adding about 3.8kg, depending on the size of the officer.

Cahill said the association was consulted before the purchase of the new vests and understood they were the best available for the deployment and risk environment at the time.

"A lighter ballistic vest may have been available, however, it is our understanding these would not have provided the protection from stabbing and cutting weapons that pose the more likely risk to police officers in New Zealand,” he said.

So far, police have provided vests to 7766 staff.

Despite manufacturing and transportation delays caused by Covid-19, the process is complete in 11 of the 12 police districts, with Central Districts due to join the roll-out soon.