Equipment – Body Armour

Policy No:
AI-015
Effective Date:

Legislative/Regulatory Requirements

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets out the responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers for workplace safety. Section 135 of the Police Services Act allows for the making of regulations regarding the use of any equipment and the use of force by a police force or any of its members. “Regulation 926” (Equipment and Use of Force), under the Police Services Act, sets out requirements in relation to the use of force, including use of approved weapons, training, reporting and use/technical specifications for handguns.

Board Policy

It is the policy of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board with respect to equipment-body armour that the Chief of Police will:

  1. ensure the provision of body armour equipment that is:

    1. constructed to provide the level of protection necessary for the performance of duty that addresses:

      • the type of weapons members are likely exposed to;

      • protection for members from their own handguns and  ammunition that are in accordance with prescribed specifications;

  2. ensure the provision of body armour that is purchased from manufacturers that:

    1. practice effective quality control for testing and labelling in accordance with current National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards/Requirements on Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor;

    2. are certified under current International Organization for Standardization-ISO 9001:2008 standards for production and manufacturing; and

    3. ensure that the body armour provided is listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List, including replacement panels and carriers, in accordance with current NIJ Standards/Requirements;

  3. ensure that each member uses, maintains and cares for the body armour provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;

  4. ensure that a formal and documented inspection program is in place that addresses wear and tear;

  5. ensure that members receive the appropriate training on the legislative requirements of OHSA and information on use and care, as well as the benefits and limitations of body armour; and

  6. consult with designated employee representatives regarding the acquisition of body armour.

Note: Publication of this guideline revision does not invalidate or render unsuitable any body armour models previously determined by the NIJ to be compliant to either the NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements or the NIJ Standard-0101.04 Rev. A Requirements. While it may not be necessary to remove these existing armours from service, agencies are advised to always require their procurements to meet or exceed the most recent and up-to-date version of this guideline.