[pongolad]

As our profile is raised we're starting to encounter some of the less savoury members of society. Do you think now is a good time to be requesting "stab proof vests", given that it takes the civil service years to react or do we wait until something nasty happens


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Clarkson can kiss my Aspidestra

[snafu]

As far as the agency is concerned they won't spend money until something happens.

My own view is while it would be nice to be that bit safer, though by no means fully (i.e. doesn't cvoer your neck), as we are supposed to be non-confrontational. Therefore the idiots could take the fact that we wear a vest as a reason to have a go.

I would also say that if we need them then so do ambo, nurses and doctors (anyone see panorama the other night) so where will it end.

[pongolad]

I tend to agree SNAFU. Just thought I'd throw it out for debate in light of the Panorama programme.
Thing is, it's a sick society we live in and it seems to be getting worse. We've been mistaken for BiB before, by drunken drivers and those enraged in RTC's and the training we're given (lock yourself in the TOV) isn't likely to protect us.


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Clarkson can kiss my Aspidestra

[snafu]

pongolad

Know what you mean.

look up topic should HATO's have PPE

[Guinness Man]

Do you know how heavy it is and how it restricts movementand how hot its going to be in summer................NO>>>NO>>>>>>>>>>>>>NO

[Tricky]

Definitely don't want to wear that in the summer. HA would be far better providing courses in break-away techniques to get you away from the problem

Don't forget you still have an orange button to get rcc to get BiB there asap


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Clearing up the RTC's the MOP's leave behind.....

[PavementPizza]

I would have one even in the RCC. To use with people who spit when they talk


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"I'm at MPxxx/x, I've got skid marks, any knowledge"

[snafu]

PavementPizza wrote:

I would have one even in the RCC. To use with people who spit when they talk

Stab proof Kagool for PP please

[HAEyeInTheSky]

PavementPizza wrote:

I would have one even in the RCC. To use with people who spit when they talk

Hmm not just me then!

Seriously though, like anything really, the agency will only bring in such measures when its too late and something has happened to show the need for such equipment, I just hope that its a long time off for all of you.


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The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background,
is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers

[X]

You have to remember that we are the nice guys (see pink and fluffy!!) and if we get PPE, we may become less approachable and i dont think the agency would like that.

[Race Track]

Agreed, body armour would make us look even more like the police than currently. At least people tend to believe us now when we say we aren't. Wearing a stab vest might make that more difficult.

Aside from the fact that our biggest and hardest weapon is our mouth, and the second one is your legs - back the to 4x4 if it goes wrong.


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[TheWanderer]

Body armour is very uncomfortable. If HA had to issue it,they'd go for "covert" (under shirt armour) rather than "overt" (like police have).

Even the most flexible KR1 undervest (lowest level of protection, 42 joule knife resistant only) is still very uncomfortable, and i've worn one so know how hot they get.

Then of course, if they become issue, we'll all have to wear them all the time Its not our role to get confontational, and yes there are TOs that tend to do this over such minor things such as a lorry driver having a tacho break.

I believe that Quinton are currently running a course on dealing with difficult customers. Maybe those with no diplomacy or experience in walking away from heated situations should ask to attend it. Don't know if its any good, maybe i'll ask to go on it myself to see if it fits inline with previous learning.


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Proud to be a day-glow womble!

As a matter of fact Sir, YES I DO own the road!

[Nevr you mind]

Tricky wrote:

Definitely don't want to wear that in the summer. HA would be far better providing courses in break-away techniques to get you away from the problem Don't forget you still have an orange button to get rcc to get BiB there asap

An orange button wont help when your lieing on the floor numb from a stab wound to the tummy.

The vest's would be on under the orange coat anyway plus it will hold your tummy in and make you sweat meaning you will lose weight and therefore can eat more bacon sarnies with B.R.O.W.N sauce.


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WHATS UP DOC.

[Alpha Bravo Guy]

NYM I think you made a mistake! Did'nt you mean R.E.D sauce

[pongolad]

Tricky, don't know where you are but one of our regions BiB's took over 2 hrs to get to an RTC - blame their Comms room myself but doesn't fill you with confidence that they'll be on hand when the chips are down. Don't get me wrong, we've got an excellent working relationship with them but financial pressures to improve their league table standing means money is diverted away from traffic to other areas in the hope of improving the stats.
Personally I don't put much faith in the "orange button".


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Clarkson can kiss my Aspidestra