SOP-20 Load Bearing VestsRevised: January 14, 2021
Police and Fire Services Division
SOP-19
05-14-13
SUBJECT: Load Bearing External Duty Vests
PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for wearing and ordering Department approved load
bearing vests.
POLICY: It is the policy of the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety to present
a professional appearance and provide employees with a safe and practical alternative to
carrying equipment while on duty.
I. AUTHORIZED:
A. Defined Load Bearing Vest:
i. Not to be confused with a Tactical Vest, the Director of Public
Safety has authorized a load bearing External vest, in which the
outer shell resembles the BDU and/or Poly Blend patrol duty
uniform. The vest will have functioning pockets and allow the
wearing of the metal badge and nameplate.
ii. All vests will be ordered through the Administrative Sergeant
II. CONFIGURATION
A. Officers are permitted any combination of gear on a duty belt with the vest
that remains consistent with current rules, regulations, and policy.
B. General rules and design considerations:
1. Firearms are not permitted on the vest. Duty belt holsters and drop
holsters are authorized.
2. The Taser, if attached on the vest must be on the off hand side (same
rule as the duty belt).
3. The vest will have two uniform pockets and no pouches will be
approved above the pockets (it must maintain a uniform appearance).
B. Training and Familiarity:
Before the vest is worn on duty each employee must:
1. Be signed off by a Defensive Tactics Instructor.
2. Qualify on the firearms range while wearing the vest.