R.I. Police Department Replacing Aging Bulletproof Vests

The Providence Police Department is stepping up efforts to replace outdated bulletproof vests that could expose officers to injury in case of failure.

The Providence Journal reports that Acting Police Chief Hugh T. Clements Jr. says the department will spend nearly $181,000 to buy 363 vests. The police labor union called the situation unacceptable and since January has demanded new ones.

The department owns more than 450 vests, and 330 have expired. Another 30 will expire in February.

A tailor is due in a few weeks to custom-fit officers.

Kevlar, the trademarked coated fiber that police say makes the vests effective, deteriorates through wear and tear, weathering and perspiration.

A vest can resist bullets, knife thrusts and blows from a fist, a bat or other blunt force.