Central Coast News KION/KCBAA New Look for Seaside Police Officers

SEASIDE, Calif. - Seaside Police Officers now have the option to replace their traditional duty belts for an outer carrier, known as a "load bearing vest."

Police tell Central Coast News, "The load bearing vest will allow officers to equally distribute the weight of the equipment they are required to carry around their waist (approximately ten to twenty pounds) to the load bearing vest."  Officers generally carry two handcuffs, a radio, a flashlight, a taser, pepper spray, a baton, a sidearm, and two loaded magazines. 

The selected load bearing vests cost approximately $150 to $300.  Seaside Police Officers have agreed to purchase their own vests using an existing uniform allowance.

The load bearing vest is intended to increase maneuverability, increase access to equipment, and reduce officer injuries by reducing daily strain placed on the lower back and abdomen.

Submitted by Central Coast News Anchor Marc Cota-Robles