You may notice some Lakewood police offers looking a bit different today, and that’s because of a trial period of a partial change in uniform.
In an effort to ease the physical burden of police officers in Lakewood, the Department yesterday rolled out a trial period for new bulletproof vests – this one, worn over their shirts.
The new vests, similar to those worn by other departments around New Jersey, are expected to make it easier on the officers’ physical health.
“The benefits are less back pain and wear and tear on our officers,” says Chief Greg Meyer. “It allows them to shift the weight from their hips and lower backs by carrying it on their chest.”
The Chief says the Department did extensive research before introducing them to the officers.
“The vest selected, was one made by and specifically for the body armor each officer is assigned,” says Meyer.
Officers who wanted to participate in this trial period, were allowed to purchase a vest with their own money, and there was no cost to the taxpayers.
The Chief says officers who take part in the trial will report back the negatives and positives before a final decision is made as to whether the Department will change over to the new vests.
Excuse my ignorance, but the shirt also seems a different color. And the pants are a different color. The getup actually looks cool. Looks like a SWAT team getup.
It certainly helps carrying weight higher up, I can say from experience. It also helps to intimidating the bad guys and frees up room on the duty belt. It’s a smart move.