Police Dogs Get Bulletproof Vests After Finn’s Law
Staffordshire Police have launched custom-made lightweight armour for their canine heroes. Designed for general purpose and drug detection dogs, this cutting-edge gear shields them from knives, bullets, spikes, and blunt force trauma.
Top-Notch Protection Meets Comfort
The force tested various armours, scrutinising protection level, durability, and fit. After extensive trials nationwide, they settled on a design that keeps police dogs comfy and cool. The lining’s special heat-dissipating material, originally developed for space suits, ensures the dogs stay comfortable on the job.
Finn’s Law Sparks Game-Changing Rollout
This new armour rollout follows the 2019 introduction of Finn’s Law. The legislation was named after German Shepherd Finn, who was stabbed defending PC Dave Wardell from a knifeman in Stevenage, 2016. Under previous laws, harming police dogs was treated as mere criminal damage. Now, it’s a serious offence to attack service animals.
“Police dogs are part of our policing family, one of the team,” said Chief Inspector Dave Kelsall, Head of Armed/Dog Support Unit. “Providing personal issue body armour is the next step to protecting our dogs who face the same dangers as our handlers—often running first towards threats.”
Kelsall added, “This is a proud moment. Thanks to Staffordshire Police’s investment and dog support officers’ hard work, our dogs now have the same level of protection to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the line of duty.”
