baton carry methods back in the old days.

[retdetsgt]

I have always worn a vest since I bought my first one in 1988.

We were first issued vests about 1976. I wore one everyday I worked uniform. Even as a detective, I was issued a new one every 4 or 5 years although I only wore it on occasions.

Even our command, including the chief are required to wear a vest if they are in uniform.

[Cat_Doc]

I started wearing a vest in 1978 and have done so every day (while in uniform) including 120+ degree days. I tried going with just the front panel a few times in the humid part of the summer, but it just didn't feel right and I always ended up putting the back panel in.

I still faithfully wear a vest, in uniform, even as a command officer; because you never know.

[mcsap]

We didn't get issued vests until 1991 and only then because the dept got a big discount on their insurance.

[retdetsgt]

We were initially issued cheap Second Chance vests that were pretty thin. In about 1977, one of the guys working the same district as me, but on another shift was shot by a sniper with a .22 LR. That was about as powerful a round that vest would stop, but fortunately it did. Otherwise it would have been a heart shot. Then the city started issuing us the heavier vests with the chest plate.

I know of at least one other guy that was shot and saved by his vest before I was promoted in 1981.