14-24 - Use of Seatbelt Extenders

Recent deputy involved traffic collisions have raised the issue of the use of seatbelts and seatbelt extenders.  Many deputies believe the placement of the seatbelt buckle is in a cumbersome position or not easy to “click” behind their duty weapon holster because the buckle (receiver) is too low into the seat.

Our Department has authorized the use of seatbelt extenders.  The purpose of an extender is for personnel, if properly fitted, to be secured within the seatbelt while compensating for the gear around their waistband i.e., Sam Browne/Sally Browne.  The ONLY Department authorized seatbelt extender is manufactured by Ford and issued by LASD Fleet, as illustrated here.  Aftermarket extenders may not meet the specifications of Ford’s seatbelt restraint system.  In order to determine if the seatbelt extender is properly fitted, you should consider the following:

NEVER USE:

• When the lap strap will not adjust snugly on your hips.

• When the intersection of the lap and upper torso straps is less than 6 inches from the center of the occupant’s body, i.e., the extender can only be worn if the spot where the seatbelt buckle meets the extender is more than 6 inches away from the center of your body.
• If you have to change the setting of the shoulder strap across your torso to make the extender fit.

The placement of the extender will dictate whether it is appropriate to wear or not.  In general, a deputy, smaller in stature, may not be suitable to wear the extender because the buckle may be too close to the center of their body.  A deputy with a large holster or larger in stature may have an ideal fit with the extender.  Consider the amount of space a pistol holster with a light attachment consumes vs. a pancake holster with no light.

NOTE: The extender slightly alters the performance of the manufacturer’s seatbelt restraint system; therefore, there is risk of additional injury involved with using an extender in a collision.  Remember, the intent of the extender is to compensate for the gear around your waist and not recommended if you are not wearing a duty belt.

Information regarding the content of this newsletter may be directed to Field Operations Support Services.