Controversy over bulletproof vests in Ohio puts police safety gear in spotlight

 Controversy over bulletproof vests in Ohio puts police safety gear in spotlight

In a clear and direct voice, the president of the Sentinels Police Association, a civil rights organization comprised of Cincinnati police officers, Louis Arnold underscored the value he and other police officers place on bulletproof vests.To get more news about bulletproof zone.com, you can visit bulletproofboxs.com official website.

"We're the only profession in the country that has to wear bulletproof vests daily. It's a part of our uniform," Arnold said during a Friday news conference. "Each time an officer goes out, and he's not properly equipped, his life is in danger."They definitely save lives. They've saved a number of lives," said Terry Peirano, who retired from the Cincinnati Police Department in 2009. He credits the bulletproof vests he wore with saving his life twice.

"If I hadn't been wearing one there's no doubt, I'd have been critically injured, if not fatally," Peirano said.

Bulletproof vests have been in the news this summer in Ohio because they break down over time, especially since officers wear them during all kinds of weather and high stress situations.

"Most of the vests have an expiration date," retired police officer Cecil Thomas said. "Depending on how much they sweat, it could have an impact. You know, it's just how these vests are handled."

Thomas, who is now a state senator, has been critical of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, who's running for governor.A spokesman for DeWine calls that assertion "grossly misleading," adding 68 new vests for BCI agents arrived in Columbus Thursday.

Against that politically charged backdrop, I wanted to know if officers in Cincinnati could end up wearing vests that leave them vulnerable.

The answer, according to Arnold and Fraternal Order of Police president, Sgt. Dan Hils, is no.

"Our police department is on a cycle, and every five years we get new vests," Arnold said. "That vest is ordered in year four, and by the time you roll around to year five we have new vests."

"Cincinnati does a good job," Hils said. "I would hope just about every agency does a good job."

Friday's news conference took place at Cincinnati's FOP headquarters. The state's FOP has endorsed DeWine's opponent, Richard Cordray, in this fall's race for governor.