Name/Title
Sussex Police officer's stab vest 2009Entry/Object ID
2508Description
Black rip proof nylon stab vest, with front zip fastening, of which one zipper is missing, radio clips at the front under each shoulder and two large front velcro fastening pockets. On the left breast is a Sussex Police bell shaped coat of arms embroidered badge and oner the right breast a velcro attached patch marked "Sussex Police Brighton & Hove". On the rear is a large white and blue reflective badge marked "Police" under a blue and white reflective checkered band. Inside the covers are front and rear stab/ballistic plates. There are labels stitched inside marked "Mehler Armour Technology" and one with care instructions marked Model CA0671A Style No. 028 Size 5.3 Manuf Date 08/2009 Serial Number 604377 Protection. Level HG1a/KR1"Use
For a police officer to use for protectionContext
In 2003 Sussex Police began to issue stab vests to all officers for the first time, using a design manufactured by Meggitt. This used separate vest covers and plate holders that were attached to each other and had elasticated waists. After a few years these were replaced by vests such as this made by Mehler. These second generation vests, had larger front pockets, no waist band and had plates that fitted directly inside the vest cover, without a separated mesh holder as on the Meggitt vests. The velcro patches were removable and were designed to show which unit or area officers were based in.
As of 2023 very similar stab vests are still in use within Sussex Police, although over time the embroidered badge has been discarded. The most recent styles have simple blue and white badges just marked "Police", additional blue and white checkered banding across the front and additional equipment clips on the front pockets.