Policy Text
EL DORADO COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:
All Deputy Probation Officers- Field
FROM:
Brian Richart, Chief Probation Officer
DATE:
October 26, 2015
RE:
Standing Order: Load Bearing Vests- Field Probation Officers
This Standing Order authorizes the use of a Load Bearing Vest while conducting department
supervision/enforcement activities, and will remain in effect until related Procedures/Policy is updated.
Although funding is not currently available for the department to purchase this equipment, officers are
authorized to purchase a vest on their own. Funding for these items will be requested in FY2015/2016,
but it is not known at this time if this will be approved.
Field Probation Officers have the option to utilize a Richard Cowell Tactical Armor Carrier Vest or a
Safariland Tactical Assault Carrier with Modular Webbing (MOLLE) style vest. Officers choosing to use
a Richard Cowell vest must have the design template approved by either Lead Firearms Instructor Dolcini
or Rangemaster Kramer prior to purchase to ensure there are no conflicts with the placement of pouches
as the pouches for this specific vest are permanently affixed. The Richard Cowell vest template can be
viewed at www.richardcowell.com (click "Armor Carriers" and then "download vest template"). Officers
choosing to use a Safariland Molle style vest may purchase the vest at any vendor offering the product
(i.e. Galls or L.A. Police Gear, etc.) and must only purchase approved Molle pouches to attach to the vest.
The approved Molle style pouches are as follows:
Protech Tactical:
TP10A
TP17A
TP17
TP13
TP21A
Tactical Tailor:
10093-2
Sidearm Double Mag Pouch
Double Handcuff Pouch
Single Handcuff Pouch
MK3/MK4 Aerosol Pouch
Universal Radio Pouch
Admin Pouch
Both styles of vests must be black in color, and must have at a minimum, ID placards clearly identifying
"PROBATION" on the front and back of the vest as well as a Velcro badge, all of which may be obtained
through the respective department armory officer in each division. The vests may not be used to carry any
safety equipment not currently authorized by the department, and shall not be utilized to carry a firearm.
A special thanks to all the staff in the South Lake Tahoe and Shingle Springs offices who participated in
the testing and evaluation process to determine if these vests would be appropriate for our department's
use.
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