CBP and Vests?

[methos_tj]

Here is probably a dumb question but I was wondering how many of the CBP officers where B/P vests all the time?

My thoughts are if I am carrying I am wearing but just wanted to get the overall consensus.

Thanks,

Methos_tj

[JAMMERS]

I wear mine every day. Only a few of us do at my bridge. Most never do and some only when its cold. I tell all the new folks to start wearing it and get use to it. But most dont.

[methos_tj]

What ever it takes for me to make my chances of coming home at night better...Even if CBP may not be "as dangerous" as your local PD, there should never be a chance taken when you are carrying...just my opinion...

Thanks I just wanted to get a feel for how many CBP officers actually wear them for saftey reasons.

Methos_tj

[CanineCop]

At my port almost nobody in cargo wears them and almost everybody in passenger does. I think it depends on location and local culture.

[Tuck_TKE]

Less than a handful that I know of. I wear mine everyday with a UnderArmour shirt or a 100% Cotton Tee. The Under Armour shirts help out a lot more on the hot days, and those sixteen on, off eight shifts. In the summers, those long shifts sometimes give you a little heat rash, but constant switching to a dry carrier helps out and sure beats a bullet. I've only worked 3 shifts in my life without my vest, and it's like working naked. After wearing it daily, I never even notice it, even on a hot day in Cargo.

Stay Safe,

Tuck

[1890to1811]

When I started in Customs the vest was not issued, and nobody on the CET team had one. I talked to a Senior and asked why not, the response was the typical, "Because they are not issued." I got together with the FTO and asked about ordering. The 148 was approved. After I recieved mine, I never went without.

My job is to go home every night, and if I have to sacrafice comfort to ensure that I go home, then be it. I even called mine the "American Express" never left home without it.

Sweat a little, your family will love you for it!

Just my 2 cents

[methos_tj]

Thanks to all of you for your great input and reinforcing perspectives.

Methos_tj

[GS1890]

Two observations from a legacy Customs perspective(now CBP).

1) It was NTEU harping and bargaining that got you those vests. Not the good will of management. Remember that when somebody at the port says that the union never does anything.

2) The first individual inspector issue was about 1996-97. Customs went with Second Chance. The best, in my opinion. Very expensive, but well worth it because I actually WORE it everyday, even on humid days. Now, CBP has a contract with US Armor. Not as comfortable in my opinion. Therefore, my wearing of it is spotty and not 100 percent.

[DoD NucE]

If you wish to buy your own Second Chance vest, which I know is quite expensive, will they let you wear it, or must you wear the US Armor? As it is Second Chance gives a pretty decent discount to individual LEOs. I know it still isn't cheap, but what is comfort and peace of mind worth?

[k9cop21811]

An officer in Flint, MI was shot in the chest last month and had only been wearing his vest (he has several years on the job) for about a month. His co-workers finally convinced him he needed to wear it, all the time. Hopefully those of you who only wear your vest occassionally will be lucky enough to have it on when rounds start coming your way.

[CanineCop]

As long as the vest is concealed and hense not a uniform issue, you may wear any vest you wish or none at all. CBP will issue you the US Armor and will be responsible for its periodic replacement (every 5 years I believe) as well as its replacement if it takes a bullet. If you get your own vest then it's your problem.