CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is evaluating the use of outer carrier vests at the center of a yearslong debate between police groups and Charlotte-area officials.
Sheriff Garry McFadden said his office is taking "significant steps" to implement the vests for select personnel to enhance their safety while on patrol. The vests, which cost around $300 each, are being tested by two deputies. The test comes after feedback from Mecklenburg County deputies saying the vests provided peace of mind while in the field.
McFadden said the April police ambush in east Charlotte emphasized the need for enhanced protection for deputies.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police now allows patrol officers to wear the vests without a doctor's note. Previously, Chief Johnny Jennings reserved the vests for specialized units, saying the vests make patrol officers look militarized.
It's still unclear why Jennings changed his mind. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police pushed for the vests for years, according to its president, Daniel Raeford, who explained that many officers use the vests to carry their gear because duty belts put too much strain on their hips and lower back. The sheriff's office said some of its deputies have reported chronic back pain resulting from years of carrying up to 20 pounds of equipment on their belts.
“We believe these vests will empower our deputies to perform their duties more effectively and with greater comfort,” McFadden said. "I remain dedicated to listening to and addressing the needs of my staff. The introduction of outer carrier vests represents a proactive step toward ensuring our deputies can continue to serve our community with excellence."
City Councilman Tariq Bokhari called for the vests after April's ambush, hoping to boost officer morale and show support for law enforcement after the tragedy. Jennings noted that three of the officers killed were wearing vets, however, the attack prompted a larger conversation about how Charlotte can support its officers.
There's no set timeline for when the sheriff's office will acquire more vests for deputies, but a news release said the agency hopes to roll them out in the coming weeks.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and how it impacts everyone with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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