DATE: May 5, 2015
FROM: CURTIS A. JENSEN, CAPTAIN TO: ALL PERSONNEL NORWALK STATION NORWALK STATION
SUBJECT: NORWALK STATION UNIT ORDER 15-02
PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to outline the accountability and issuance of the ballistic and observer vests for civilian ride-alongs.
SCOPE
Central Supply & Logistics recently issued every sheriff’s station ballistic and observer vests. These vests are for temporary issuance to civilian ride-alongs while on patrol with deputies. Providing ballistic and safety vests will enhance safety and lower Department liability by distinguishing observers from sworn personnel. We received a total of eight ballistic vests and four blue “Observer” mesh safety vests that are to be issued to civilian ride-alongs. Replacement covers are also included and will be used when the current cover needs cleaning.
Use of ballistic vests and blue observer vests will be mandatory. Strict accountability of all the vests will be adhered too. Lost vests will require a Lost or Stolen Property report.
WATCH SERGEANT
[REDACTED TEXT] At the beginning of each shift, the watch sergeant will account for all four blue observer vests and the eight ballistic vests. All vests are clearly marked with “NWK #1” to “NWK #8.” The results will be recorded on the watch commander’s log.
The watch sergeant will provide each ride-a-long a ballistic vest and blue observer vest. The date, time, vest numbers and name of person the vests were issued to will be recorded on the log sheet. There are several different sizes for both men and women. At the end of the ride-a-long, the watch sergeant will inspect the vests and record the time it was returned. The inside of all ballistic vests will be sprayed with Lysol and hung up on the provided wood hangers. This is to allow them to dry when wet due to sweat. If the vest cover is dirty and in need of cleaning, a clean cover will be used and the dirty one will be given to the ride-a-long coordinator. That person will ensure that the station inmate workers wash and dry it properly. It will then be returned to the hallway locker.
FIELD SERGEANT
At the beginning of each shift, the field sergeant will review the daily in-service to ascertain if an observer will be in the field. If during the course of the shift the observer is seen without the ballistic and blue vest, they will be directed back to the station to obtain the vests.
WATCH COMMANDER
Each shift watch commander will ensure that all observer blue vests and ballistic vests are accounted for and recorded in their daily watch commander’s log.
CAJ:bpd