RPD purchases new bulletproof vests

Working in the field of law enforcement, the members of the Rector Police Department remain a mere moment from finding themselves in harm's way. Though small communities such as Rector often take pride in not having the level of crime found in larger cities, the danger faced by the RPD is very real.

Last week, the department received additional funding for protecting its officers with the purchase of new bulletproof vests.

"These vests give us the capability to be safe," police chief Glenn Leach said. "They're an invaluable tool. A bulletproof vest can easily save your life in certain situations."

Each officer was measured so that a vest could be tailor-made to fit as comfortably as possible. The vests previously used by the RPD had been in service for the past five years.

"Five years is about the lifespan of a bulletproof vest," Leach said. "They go through a lot of wear and tear just through day-to-day use. It's recommended that you replace the older vests at that time, if you can."

Leach noted the vests provided safety from more than just gunfire.

"They're not only good for shootings," Leach said. "It's another piece of safety equipment. They can protect you in a car wreck. There was a case a few years back where an officer in another department was out and a 50 pound icicle fell from the building and pinned him to the ground. If it hadn't glanced off his vest, it's likely that would've killed him. They protect you from a lot more than just the obvious things."

Funding for the vests was made available through federal grants received by the city and funds provided by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. Because of this assistance, no city or department funds were required for the vests.

The new vests are upgradeable. They feature sleeves in the front and the back which protect the wearer's heart. These sleeves can hold armor of different strengths, offering protection from small caliber weapons all the way up to high-powered rifles.

These new, improved vests will allow the RPD to continue to have a higher level of protection for years to come.

"These vests will help us do our jobs more safely," Leach said. "Improved safety can mean the difference between life and death."