After a years-long debate over outer carrier vests, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is now allowing patrol officers to wear them without a doctor's note.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police said Police Chief Johnny Jennings has denied its requests to let patrol officers wear outer carrier vests for years. Only specialized units are allowed to wear the vests, and patrol officers can too with special permission due to medical reasons.
However, on Thursday, a department-wide email said all officers can now request a vest if they want one for preventative care and minor medical issues.
It’s unclear why Chief Johnny Jennings has changed his mind. He previously said in a statement to WCNC Charlotte that the vests raise safety concerns and make patrol officers look militarized.
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