What’s on a ‘duty vest’? (+video)

A Wichita police officer typically carries 28 pounds of gear while on duty. Here’s some of the gear officers must carry with them.

Baton

Used to prevent a suspect from fleeing, for self-defense or defending another, or in response to physical resistance to arrest.

Taser

Used, after a verbal warning, to prevent a suspect from fleeing, for self-defense or defending another, or in response to physical resistance to arrest.

Pepper Spray

Used for self-defense or defending another, to prevent a suspect from fleeing or in response to physical resistance to arrest

Ammunition

Extra clips for an officer’s duty weapon.

Body camera

Axon camera, with lens mounted to officer’s glasses or hat.

Duty weapon

Officer’s firearm, used when reasonable fear for safety of officer or others exists.

Source: Wichita Police Department use of force policy dated Jan. 28, 2013

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "What’s on a ‘duty vest’? (+video)."