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The stab-proof vests issued to frontline police officers have led to nearly 50 accidents, most of them back sprains.
The accidents cost more than $27,000 in treatment and compensation, according to figures released to The Press under an Official Information Act.
The figures showed that by the end of last year, 7310 vests had been issued. Twenty of the 48 accident claimants were female and 43 of the claims related to back injuries.
The Police Association pushed for the vests to protect frontline police from serious injuries. Association president Greg O'Connor said yesterday the vests were well designed and were being worn properly.
He said $27,000 was "absolutely nothing" and would be "sucked up by (treatment and income compensation for) just one stabbing".
Inspector Jason Ross, from police national headquarters, said the vests were a vital piece of equipment for frontline staff and the risks of not wearing it far outweighed the risk of discomfort for the few police officers who had reported injuries.
- NZPA
