Police officers in NRW are now wearing new functional vests - known in the jargon as outer body armor (ATH). The new vests are comfortable and offer police officers additional protection.

Additional protection thanks to polycarbonate inserts

The new vest with additional polycarbonate inserts now provides officers with double protection, so to speak: The protective packages of the undergarment vest can now also be worn over the uniform and additional polycarbonate inserts significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of gunfire.

Variable storage space for equipment

Equipment such as a flashlight, irritant sprayer or handcuffs can be stowed in specially designed compartments and no longer need to be worn on the duty belt. In addition, the vest has a mesh for gloves or similar items in the back area as well as another multifunctional pocket on the front right.

Visibility

Integrated, glowing yellow neon pads with the word "Police" on them increase the visibility of officers on duty. The pads are stored in special compartments in the cover and can be removed at any time in a few simple steps.

Experts from the State Office for Central Police Services in North Rhine-Westphalia (LZPD NRW) evaluated the results of a trial in eight police authorities and initiated various changes to improve functionality. This new vest is a result that comprehensively meets the high requirements of the different areas of work in the NRW police force.

Among other things, the LZPD NRW is responsible for the state-wide procurement of police clothing and equipment for police officers in NRW. All police equipment is continuously reviewed and adapted as necessary. In recent years, a large number of measures have been implemented to improve the safety of police officers in the field.