Information
Decision Record 130- Purchase of Black Tactical Vests
Decision taken
Following the recommendation from Northamptonshire Police’s Uniform Advisory Group and at the request of the Chief Constable, the PFCC has agreed to the Force purchasing black tactical vests for front line officers.
For many years Northants Police has had a high-visibility yellow and reflective utility vest. This was originally introduced to carry PPE and other kit, as a migration away from a loaded integrated body armour solution. The newer system required PPE to be mounted externally for access and for body armour to be kept as close to the body as possible. One of the largest groups who use this vest are the Local Response Teams (LRT) of about 275 officers. Based on user feedback and successful trials the force now wishes to move to a black tactical vest solution. The PPE has not changed and general duties black vests have been purchased and issued for certain roles, so the units can be supplied. Each black vest currently costs c. £105.00.
