Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY, Utah (AP) -- Safer bulletproof vests will soon be available to Utah law enforcement agencies.
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says Utah officials had a hand in strengthening the standards for testing the newest vests, which are expected to be available in December or January.
Utah law enforcement officials worked with the National Institute of Justice in pushing for more stringent tests involving moisture and heat and using different kinds of shot patterns during tests.
Shurtleff talked about the changes at a news conference Wednesday at the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy.
After taking questions from reporters, Shurtleff fired three shots from a pistol into an older vest. The bullets didn't penetrate.
Shurtleff and other law enforcement officials say even an older vest is better than none at all. He's urging law enforcement agencies throughout the state to consider buying the newer versions coming out.
"These vests can mean the difference between life and death," Shurtleff said.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
