The London Metropolitan were the first to introduce protective 'stab-proof' vests from 2007. The initial contract was placed with the company Mehler and the contract commenced on 12 September 2007. Other Police Forces throughout the United Kingdom later followed suite.
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| Fully equipped Manchester Police respond to disturbances in 2011 |
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| The Daily Mail reporting on the Manchester riots in 2011 |
I believe the following examples of female issue stab proof vests originate from Avon & Somerset Constabulary. These are surplus vests and as such badges have been removed in compliance with disposal procedures.
This first example is likely to be one of the first to be issued because it features the older style loops which were used with the old Motorola HT600E radios and later the replacement TETRA radios. There is evidence this vest was previously fitted with the old style bell shape Police badge and large sew on POLICE on the reverse.
This later version still used the old style sew on badges but has the newer 'klick fast' radio vest fittings.
Example 2:
Finally, this third example has provision for velcro fastening badges and uses the 'klick-fast' radio fittings.
Example 3:
This Avon & Somerset Constabulary Inspector is seen here wearing a stab-proof vest in 2008. It's likely that the patch is sewn on since this is relatively soon after the stab-vests were first issued and the velcro patches were introduced later. I believe the very first vests to be issued were fitted with the old 'bell' shaped patches.
These frequently appear on eBay in the UK and at the time of writing can be purchased for £25-£35. Since these have now been in use for over a decade, there will be a constant supply reaching the second hand market. What's surprising is that somebody seems to be buying them. Finding an older version with original sew on badges intact would certainly appeal to the collector, but these are very rare.
Here's an example of a later male issue stab-proof vest. The only noticeable difference being this has a longer length compared to the female issue versions.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary officers on Park Street, Bristol in 2010 for the student demonstration against tuition fees. They are using shoulder pads, PSU gloves, long batons and helmet chin straps, which are only used for crowd control/public order situations.
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