Many officers don't wear bulletproof vests

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They can save lives, but some in law enforcement estimate only half of the police officers on the streets are wearing bulletproof vests.

Some departments require their officers to wear them. But an analysis of officers shot and killed in the line of duty shows more than one-third weren't wearing bulletproof vests. That's a surprise to Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, who's long been a proponent.

"There's no doubt about it. There are so many instances where an officer has been shot and their lives have been saved by the vest. So I guess the message is comfort is less important than your personal safety," he said.

Locally, some departments require the vests, which can cost up to $1,000. Others, though, do not. In Salt Lake County, they're strongly recommended but not mandated.

Shurtleff has been involved in getting the National Institute of Justice to improve the quality and comfort of the vests.

Utah was involved in a lawsuit with the makers of vests that were made of Zylon, a material that eventually broke down over time and didn't perform well in some circumstances.

Shurtleff says by early next year, law enforcement officers should see newer, more protective vests that also are lighter-weight and more comfortable.

E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com