Branford Cops To Get New Bulletproof Vests To Combat Shooters

BRANFORD, CT - The Board of Police Commissioners has approved spending up to $20,000 in federal forfeiture funds to equip the police force with new bulletproof vests to protect Branford cops who may enter active shooter situations.

The expenditure was approved at the most recent meeting of the police commission at the urging of Police Chief Kevin Halloran.

Halloran explained that the vests currently used by police are in need of replacing and "they are showing there age."

He said in these days of police being involved in more and more active shooter situations the need for up-to-date equipment and training is more important than ever.

The vests that the commission approved purchasing for the department personnel - at a cost of $450 per vest - will allow the department to be safer when and if they have to disengage an active shooter, the chief said.

Halloran said the police department has been working in concert with the town's Fire Department to ensure that all personnel is up to speed on emergency training when and if the need arises for the two departments to deal with an active shooting situation - wherever and whenever that occurs.