6.6 Report Recommendation: Law enforcement agencies should adopt policies that require officers to wear seat belts and bullet-proof vests and provide training to raise awareness of the consequences of failure to do so.
BRPD Alignment
Seatbelt use is required throughout training and is also in the written lesson material for the driving course as part of the safety check.
Seatbelt use is required in written policy, which reads “Seat belts shall always be used in all police vehicles. Doors shall be kept locked while the vehicle is unattended."
Vests are provided by the Department for every sworn officer, and the importance of wearing vests is emphasized throughout training.
Officers responding to calls for service are required to wear issued body armor while in Class A and B uniforms. (General Order 134)
The plate carrier is not intended to replace issued soft body armor, nor is it designed to be used as a load-bearing vest. (General Order 134)