Concerns about Aberdeen Police bullet proof vests

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Story Published: Nov 25, 2009 at 4:24 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 25, 2009 at 8:07 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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ABERDEEN - On Monday we reported that the Teton County Sheriff's Office has new bullet proof vests, but one viewer wants to know why officers in Aberdeen are using expired equipment.

Especially because you can't predict when a bullet proof vest will be needed.

Several years ago the Warner family had a scare. Lois Warner, an Aberdeen resident of more than 40 years said, "We had a kid come in our house, and ran upstairs, and hid in our daughters bedroom."

The culprit was caught, and luckily the situation did not turn violent.

But just in case Aberdeen Police Officers wear bullet proof vests. Ray Dalling, Aberdeen Police Chief said, "My officers at this time do wear vests."

Unfortunately, the vests aren't as effective as they should be. Dalling said, "I'm sure they already have expired."

An expired vest doesn't mean its useless.

It just doesn't guarantee officers complete protection. "Vests deteriorate over a time. The Kevlar in them deteriorates, and you don't get the same level of protection as you do with a newer vest," said Dalling.

Money is the biggest reason for the old equipment. Dalling said, "Our budget is down quite a bit from what it was two years ago. We're making do."

The police department has a budget of $342,117, but 84% of that goes to salaries and personal benefits.

Next year the Chief plans on applying for a federal grant to help pay for an upgrade. Dalling said, "If I had money available I would replace them every three years."

Something residents would also like to see, so that officers are always available to help when there is a problem. Warner said, "They should have protection."

Budget constraints are also the reason that the Aberdeen Police Department only has three officers.

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