Deputies at The Ventura County Sheriff's Office began sporting a new look that changed how they would be carrying around their equipment. Our agency has approved the use of Load Bearing Vest (LBV) carriers that allow officers to take a significant amount of weight off their gun belts, which reduces the risk of injuries and has both short and long-term health and wellness benefits for deputies.
LBV marks a significant improvement in the safety and comfort of our deputies while they are on patrol. The Sheriff’s Office has chosen to go with two different styles, which will help alleviate the distribution of the weight of their required equipment, saving low backs and hips from bearing the load of heavy equipment.
A study conducted out of Wisconsin showed LBVs to be a safer and healthier alternative to carrying issued equipment. Before, deputies carried most of their equipment on their traditional Sam Browne duty belts, including handgun, magazines, taser, pepper spray, handcuffs, baton, radio, flashlight, and keys, on their duty belts — typically over 20 pounds worth of equipment.
The LBVs are not mandatory for patrol and the department will not buy them. However, deputies have the option, and may purchase the LBV’s on their own.
Nonetheless, LBVs are becoming quite popular nationwide as departments recognize their benefits. We are excited to see the percentage of patrol deputies who have already gone to the LBV system as we believe that it will be a significant improvement for their safety and comfort.
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