What would most police administrators or supervisors do if they learned of a simple, inexpensive piece of equipment that is proven to save lives? Would they hesitate to equip and train their personnel? What would many of them do if someone refused this piece of equipment?

There are two pieces of equipment that have been proven to save the lives of law enforcement officers, both of which are inexpensive and common. Most police leaders have likely already equipped their officers with them. Both of these items are constructed from simple nylon and, if used properly, will save lives: seat belts and Class 2 or 3 ANSI/ISEA-approved vests. Unfortunately, many officers are resistant to seat belt and traffic vest use, claiming that they interfere with “good tactics.”