Commissioner James McManus brought up at Wednesday night's Police Commission meeting he was shocked to find out the tactical team would not be able to respond to calls due to outdated vests.

Deputy Chief Michael Allen explained that 10 vests were purchased when the tactical team was started almost 10 years ago. The vests were tactical body armor, which is worn on the exterior and is a stronger, heavier vest. He said there was a concern brought up among a couple members of the tactical team that the vests were beyond their warrantee.

"Age alone does not dictate lifespan," Allen said. "What dictates it is how often it's worn and the weather conditions (it has been worn in)."

Allen pointed out to the commissioners that the vests are worn at least once a month for training and to every call responded to.

"It's in the interest of safety and liability that we not use the officers in calls out," he said.
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