Published: March 03, 2009 12:17 pm            

Police department to begin replacing body armor for officers

Monticello — The Monticello Police Department has started the effort to replace all

body armor for the 10 officers in the department.

Monticello Police Chief Ralph Miniard stated this week that the

department has received approval for a Homeland Security grant that will

allow them to replace bullet-proof vests for officers.

He noted that the recommended effective life for body armor is five

years, though Kevlar vests have been known to last longer with proper care.

He said officers in his department are utilizing equipment now with

varying age.

The Homeland Security grant will also include funds for two additional

sidearms for officers.

Police officers with the department also recently completed training for

the use of tasers, according to Miniard. He said officers have been issued

X-26 tasers.

"We have had two incidents using tasers and both were successful with no

injuries," said Miniard. "Both times the taser did its job...This just gives

officers another option, other than impact weapons, for a physical

altercation."

Miniard said his department is using these two incidents as additional

training for officers to study.

"There is always the potential for someone getting hurt...You never know

what is going to happen and when," said Miniard. "With all our officers

equipped and trained with tasers, I feel better. It's a nice option to

have."

        

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