New Zealand has introduced stab-resistance vests which are designed to protect the wearer’s torso from attack by sharp-edged weapons. The vests meet the requirements of British police and are the same as those chosen by New Zealand police.
Fishery officers work with people every day who carry knives, gaffs, spear-guns and other sharp objects as part of their fishing tackle. “They are not carrying these objects as weapons, but they could be used as weapons if a situation takes a turn for the worse. It’s a matter of supplying fishery officers with the equipment to do their job as safely as possible,” Jim Anderton, Minister of Fisheries, said.
Vests are being issued to full-time fishery officers, with the Ministry reviewing whether to also issue them to honorary fisheries officers.
