Rollout of police dog protective vests

Published Wednesday, 23 August, 2017 at 12:00 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart joined officers from the Brisbane Dog Squad today to announce the rollout of protective vests for Queensland police dogs.

Minister Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government made a commitment to provide the resources needed to keep our frontline officers safe and the protective vests are about keeping our frontline operational police dogs safe.

“These vests offer excellent protection and comfort to an important partner in policing,” Minister Ryan said.

“Police dogs are responsible for apprehending a high number or offenders and helping keep Queensland communities safer from crime and that’s what makes this rollout so important.

“Our police dogs merit the protection these vests provide so they can continue their great work in helping our frontline police officers fight crime in Queensland.”

Commissioner Stewart said protective vests were an excellent addition.

“Police Dogs serve the Queensland community selflessly and are an important frontline policing tool directly responsible for the apprehension of more than 1000 offenders every year,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“These new vests afford a greater level of protection to such an important and valued police resource.”

The QPS Dog Capability Unit has been conducting research on stab resistant harness vests for police dogs to offer greater protection to important members of the police family.

"The Palaszczuk Government committed $75,000 for the purchase of the harnesses to fit all QPS General Purpose dogs," Minister Ryan said.

"Police dogs across the state will be fitted with these harnesses over the coming months with some dogs already hitting the streets in the vests.

"The harness is stab-resistant and multi-purpose and is fitted with layered polymer panels to shield the vital organs of police dogs.

The robust overall design is made from milispec nylon and material which does not absorb moisture and will provide the dogs protection from kicks and blows.

"When the dogs are fitted with the harness they will have a similar level of protection as an officer does when wearing a stab resistant body armour vest.

"The harness weighs just over one kilogram and is designed so it will not impair agility and speed.

"The harnesses are designed to be worn by police dogs throughout an entire shift and also have the ability for ice packs to be inserted into the harness to aid in the cooling of the dogs, which is particularly important for Queensland’s climate."

 

 

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