Stab-proof vests welcomed
Chester Borrows MP
National Party Police Spokesman
15 December 2006
Stab-proof vests welcomed
The introduction of stab-proof vests for police has been welcomed by National's Police spokesman, Chester Borrows.
"The issuing of these vests is very good news for front-line police, and is not before time.
"It is a sad indictment on our society that we have to protect our police in this way.
"With the increasing level of violence in our community, it makes sense that we do all we can to protect the people who deal with this on a daily basis.
"The proliferation of methamphetamine has seen an alarming rise in the unpredictable behaviour of more people, and police need to be able to handle these situations with confidence. These vests will help that.
"The faster they are issued to every officer throughout the country, the better."
Last year, violent crime rose 10% to 50,644 offences, and since 2000 it has risen 26%, with grievous assaults up 54% and serious assaults up 30%.
ENDS