Does my force HAVE TO provide me with body armour?
The issue of personal protective equipment(PPE) is subject to a variety of legislative requirements. Your union can advise you regarding this as it is a health & safety issue. Your employer is required to undertake a risk assessment in respect of the activities you undertake. In most forces the risk assessment has found that there is a risk of injury caused by stabbing/shooting. This may be because the job puts PCSOs in positions where they are at such risk &/or because they work in locations where random assaults occur. PPE is a last resort in terms of the risks of any job. The first consideration should be for safe working practices eg working in pairs, withdrawal from direct conflict where possible etc. Your employer must show that they have conducted the risk assessment, identified risks and put control measures in place.You should know what the control measures are and have a legal duty to comply with them. They can take financial considerations into account but only where the cos
