Policy Text
Policy
1009San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentBody Armor - 1Body Armor
1009.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide law enforcement officers with guidelines for the proper
use of body armor.
1009.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to maximize officer safety through the
use of body armor in combination with prescribed safety procedures. While body armor provides a
significant level of protection, it is not a substitute for the observance of officer safety procedures.
1009.3 ISSUANCE OF BODY ARMOR
The Administration supervisor shall ensure that body armor is issued to all officers when the officer
begins service at the San Luis Obispo Police Department. The body armor shall be serviceable.
Employees may be issued serviceable body armor or authorized to wear serviceable body armor
issued by their previous agency until replacement body armor is obtained.
The Department shall maintain a body armor replacement schedule and ensure that replacement
body armor is issued pursuant to the schedule or whenever the body armor becomes worn or
damaged to the point that its effectiveness or functionality has been compromised.
Newly purchased body armor shall meet or exceed the standards of the National Institute of
Justice.
1009.3.1 USE OF SOFT BODY ARMOR
Generally, the use of body armor is required subject to the following:
(a) Officers shall only wear agency-approved body armor.
(b) Officers shall wear body armor anytime they are in a situation where they could
reasonably be expected to take enforcement action.
(c)
(d) Body armor shall be worn when an officer is working in uniform or taking part in
Department range training.
(e)
.
(f) The Department has authorized the following external carrier systems if an officer
chooses to wear their armor externally. These carriers shall be purchased and
maintained at the officer's expense. Vest carriers shall be neat, clean, and maintain
a professional appearance.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Body Armor
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentBody Armor - 21. Blauer Armorskin in Dark Navy, with or without molle.
2. Safariland U1 Overt Carrier.
3. Point Blank Guardian Carrier.
1009.3.2 INSPECTIONS OF BODY ARMOR
Supervisors should ensure that body armor is worn and maintained in accordance with this policy
through routine observation and periodic documented inspections. Annual inspections of body
armor should be conducted by an authorized designee for fit, cleanliness, and signs of damage,
abuse and wear.
1009.3.3 CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SOFT BODY ARMOR
Soft body armor should never be stored for any period of time in an area where environmental
conditions (e.g., temperature, light, humidity) are not reasonably controlled (e.g., normal ambient
room temperature/humidity conditions), such as in automobiles or automobile trunks.
Soft body armor should be cared for and cleaned pursuant to the manufacturer's care instructions
provided with the soft body armor. The instructions can be found on labels located on the external
surface of each ballistic panel. The carrier should also have a label that contains care instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions may damage the ballistic performance capabilities of the armor.
If care instructions for the soft body armor cannot be located, contact the manufacturer to request
care instructions.
Soft body armor should not be exposed to any cleaning agents or methods not specifically
recommended by the manufacturer, as noted on the armor panel label.
Soft body armor should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended
replacement schedule.
1009.4 RANGEMASTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Rangemaster should:
(a) Monitor technological advances in the body armor industry for any appropriate
changes to Department approved body armor.
(b) Assess weapons and ammunition currently in use and the suitability of approved body
armor to protect against those threats.
(c) Provide training that educates officers about the safety benefits of wearing body armor.