Department-Issued Body Armor. All bargaining unit employees assigned to the Fire and Explosive Investigations Section are encouraged to wear their Department-issued body armor to enhance their personal safety. The parties understand that wearing body armor is normally voluntary and within the discretion of the employee. However, bargaining unit employees assigned to the Fire & Explosive Investigations Section shall wear the body armor during ad hoc, high-risk assignments, although these employees shall not be required to wear it while waiting to be activated for such actual assignment. For the purposes of this section, the Employer has determined that “high risk” involves other than normal risk or calls for service, and includes but is not limited to civil disturbances, raids, hostage situations, and in-person service of search and arrest warrants. Department- issued soft body armor will be the same brand and model issued by the Xxxxxxxxxx County Police Department. The Employer will replace Department-issued soft body armor prior to the expiration date designated by the manufacturer.
