CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a years-long debate over outer carrier vests, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is now allowing patrol officers to wear them without a doctor's note.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police said Police Chief Johnny Jennings has denied its requests to let patrol officers wear outer carrier vests for years. Only specialized units are allowed to wear the vests, and patrol officers can too with special permission due to medical reasons.
However, on Thursday, a department-wide email said all officers can now request a vest if they want one for preventative care and minor medical issues.
It’s unclear why Chief Johnny Jennings has changed his mind. He previously said in a statement to WCNC Charlotte that the vests raise safety concerns and make patrol officers look militarized.
Now it appears the tug of war over vests is coming to an end.
"I was just as surprised as anybody else," Daniel Redford, president of Char-Meck FOP, said.
Redford said after years of requesting the vests for comfort and efficiency, the group eventually put the issue on the back burner.
"It just got to a point where the more we asked, the more upset he’d get with us," Redford said. "So, we kinda backed off."
Redford said many officers want the vests to carry their equipment because the duty belts put a lot of weight on their hips, causing back pain. He also gave the example of female officers struggling to use the restroom due to having to take the belt and concealed vest off each time.
He said outer vests with bulletproof plating are much easier to take on and off.
Although requests for the vests subsided, the conversation reignited after the April 29 ambush that killed four law enforcement officers.
Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari renewed calls for the equipment, hoping to boost morale and show support for officers after the tragedy.
Chief Jennings noted that three of the four fallen officers were wearing vests. However, the attack prompted a larger conversation on how the city can support police.
"That's when we decided, hey, you know, we're gonna dig our heels in too, and we're gonna go to war," Bokhari said. "Nobody wants to do that, but it was always about the outcome."
Redford said the new vest policies are a step in the right direction, but added that he has concerns over the necessary paperwork to get one.
"If it’s something that’s so beneficial that the department is now recognizing as something for the wellbeing of officers, why not just issue it standard," Redford asked.
Despite some remaining questions, Redford and Bokhari are thanking the chief.
"Just want to make sure my gratitude and heartfelt thanks are relayed to him," Bokhari said.
"We’ll take it as a victory at this point," Redford said.
Redford predicts it’ll take a few months before the new vests are ready for patrol officers since each one is custom fit.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.