Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – New bulletproof vests for Dearborn police officers, replacing some which will reach the end of their five-year warranty period in September, were approved at the July 12 City Council meeting.
After evaluating different models, the department chose the Galls AXII with Hi-Lite Carrier to be the replacement vest, which provides high performing, light-weight ballistic protection for the desired threat level. It provides a vest and a hard trauma/speed plate, which lessens the ballistic force of a projectile.
Replacement vests have a 30-day lead time, and some will need to be fitted to the intended wearer.
Galls supplies the department’s current vests, and has performed well under its current contract. The price is based on a competitive quote provided in December to the Warren Police Department.
The five-year contract is for $175,200, with a one-year initial term, and four one-year renewal options. A bulletproof vest grant program will cover half of the cost. A total of 240 body armor units will be replaced during the next five years.