Currently, the Dallas PD requires body armor among its specialized units such as SWAT and the gang unit. Patrol officers who assist those units in high-risk operations must also wear their vests.
The NIJ has informed the agency that, "If we're going to supply funds, we expect the officers to wear the vests," Janse said. "In order for us to continue receiving the funds, they're asking us to make it mandatory."
The Dallas PD has given their officers the option to wear the vests. Veteran officers often cite a "comfort issue" for declining to wear the vests. Cadets are custom-fitted with the vests prior to entering the police academy.
"Some of the more senior officers may express displeasure about wearing them," Janse added. "We expect to have some feedback."
The vests can also offer a layer of protection against edged-weapon attacks and blunt-force injuries caused in police vehicle accidents. Most ballistic vests are designed to prevent bullet penetration.
The
St. Petersburg (Fla.) Police Department
is also considering a mandatory-wear policy, following the line-of-duty death of Officer David Crawford, who wasn't wearing body armor when he was fatally shot by a 16-year-old.
The Dallas Police Department maintains about 3,200 officers on the force.
Related:
Slain Florida Cop Wasn't Wearing Body Armor