646945

Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual This version contains redactions per Government Code 6254(f) Body Armor 1012.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide law enforcement officers with guidelines for the proper use of body armor. 1012.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Santa Monica 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. 1012.3 ISSUANCE OF BODY ARMOR The Professional Standards Supervisor shall ensure that body armor is issued to all officers when the officer begins service at the Santa Monica Police Department and that, when issued, the body armor meets or exceeds the standards of the National Institute of Justice. The Deputy Chief of Police shall establish 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. 1012.3.1 USE OF SOFT BODY ARMOR - REDACTED Generally, the use of body armor is required subject to the following: • Officers shall only wear Department -approved body armor. • Officers seeking to utilize supplemental body armor of a higher threat level than provided by the Department shall have the equipment inspected and approved by the Department's Rangemaster. The concerned employee shall obtain written approval from his/her Division Commander before wearing the body armor. • Uniformed personnel may not wear external body armor over the uniform except where otherwise permitted (SWAT personnel, K-9's, etc.), at the direction of a supervisor, or under emergency circumstances when it would be advantageous for the safety of the officer. • Body armor shall be worn when a sworn officer is working in uniform or taking part in Department range training. • At the discretion of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, uniformed personnel may be excused from wearing body armor during ceremonial or special even ts. Body Armor - 1 Policy 1012 .1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Body Armor Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Body Armor - 2 ( a ) Non-uniformed personnel, whether in business attire or in plain clothes, shall use body armor during all high risk events, including, but not limited to subpoena/warrant service, parole/probation searches, or as directed by a supervisor. ( b ) Non-uniformed personnel and undercover personnel may use approved external body armor provided the carrier clearly displays a metallic or cloth badge on the front and the word "POLICE" clearly displayed on the carrier both in the front and on the back. 1012.3.2 INSPECTIO NS 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. 1012.3.3 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 ma nufacturer, as noted on the armor panel label. Soft body armor should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule. 1012.4 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.