Bullet Proof Vests For Police Dogs

[j]

http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2013/09/27/article/Federal-police-dogs-issued-bullet-proof-vests/JPYHZVDOKV.html

Federal police dogs issued bullet proof vests

Published on Fri, 27/09/2013, 10:00:50

By Paul Hemsley

Dogs on the frontline of dangerous federal law enforcement operations are to be issued with special four-legged bulletproof vests as part of efforts by the Australian Federal Police to keep their canine best friends out of harm’s way when on active duty.

A tender issued to the market by the AFP this week reveals the elite crime fighting outfit wants specialised body armour to provide ballistic protection for its police dogs performing high risk and public order duties within Australia and overseas.

The protective wear reveals that the AFP is increasingly viewing its dogs as a valuable asset rather than an expendable commodity when it comes to dealing with danger.

Dogs have for years been used by the police, customs, military and private security outfits as both a detection tool to sniff out explosives and drugs as well as a defacto weapon that can take a bite out adversaries.

But an escalation in the use of firearms, especially pistols, has increased the risks of gunshot and ballistics wounds to dogs as well as officers on duty, especially when offenders are fleeing.

The AFP’s preferred features for the dog vests also includes their weight to be no more than 2.1 kilograms, constructed with consideration of weight, minimised heat retention and range of movement, have removable ballistic panels for carrier cleaning and be available in both “black and camouflage” colours.

But police dogs aren’t the only ones getting a treat from the AFP as their human counterparts are also receiving an upgrade to their protective equipment.

The so-called “K9 ballistic vests” are one part of tender from the AFP where the overall requirements for a potential supplier cover a broad range of policing equipment including general duties ballistic vests, tactical operators ballistic vests, covert ballistic vests, ballistic helmets and shields.

[Lasareina]

... but sad that society is in such a state that this is necessary.

[Kirislin]

another thing I've often thought search and rescue dogs, and probably police dogs should have, is footwear. When I see them searching wrecked buildings I think about sharp objects that could cut their feet.

[Panto]

Whilst this seems a positive step towards doing the right thing by the brilliant K9s, I wonder how testing is done to make sure the vest meets standards?

[Kavik]

My understanding as to why they haven't had vests is that they may impede movement.

[Lasareina]

yes I was wondering how hard it was going to be to desigbn something effective that won't interfere with the movement of the dog.

[Nekhbet]

The protective wear reveals that the AFP is increasingly viewing its dogs as a valuable asset rather than an expendable commodity when it comes to dealing with danger.

K9 Ballistic and stab proof vests have been in existence for a long time. You can order them online there's plenty of government and LE suppliers. They're already in use all around the world because good dogs are hard to come by and maintain, the costs associated in creating a trustworthy active service dog are also in the tens of thousands. In the USA they now also have recogised canine PTSD for returned military dogs and are working to rehabilitate them.

The pool of viable, good dogs in Australia is shrinking - we're behind the times and I hope it's not too little too late in all areas.

[Panto]

The protective wear reveals that the AFP is increasingly viewing its dogs as a valuable asset rather than an expendable commodity when it comes to dealing with danger.

K9 Ballistic and stab proof vests have been in existence for a long time. You can order them online there's plenty of government and LE suppliers. They're already in use all around the world because good dogs are hard to come by and maintain, the costs associated in creating a trustworthy active service dog are also in the tens of thousands. In the USA they now also have recogised canine PTSD for returned military dogs and are working to rehabilitate them.

The pool of viable, good dogs in Australia is shrinking - we're behind the times and I hope it's not too little too late in all areas.

Excellent progress by the sounds of it.

Anyone know if we have many ex-service dogs needing forever/retirement homes?

My understanding is that they generally retire with their handler but I can understand that it won't always be possible for the handlers for whatever reason.

[Nekhbet]

Depends on the service dog. Those deemed not suitable for civilian life are euthanised at the end of duty which is fair enough - a dog living a life of taking down people in extreme conditions cannot always be rehabilitated to a quiet, family pet easily enough for it to be fair.

[Panto]

but for the ones which are fit for civilian life, are there many that require a home outside of their handler's home?