Outback face-off yields 'unbelieva-bull' test of police vests

Being on the bad side of a toey beast is not a new experience for most of us in ag, but one Queensland Police Officer got more than he bargained for when attending a livestock truck rollover near Morven earlier in the year.

Charged by "a bull on the loose" (*I'm thinking it was a steer, but I digress*), the officer was pushed up against a fire truck, "before hitting the ground and being stomped on".

Luckily, the officer walked away from the incident, though I'm guessing he may have been a little winded, and had the same thought the rest of us have had a time or two - should've moved a bit quicker.

QPS has attributed the officer being unharmed to the new Integrated Load Bearing Vest, which won't be available at a rural outfitter anytime soon...or ever. 

Combining ballistic and edged weapon technology through modern advancements in textiles and design, QPS has said this specific incident highlighted just how vital the new vest is.

I'm thinking they didn't specifically test for charging livestock during the development stage though, so props to the officer for unwittingly checking that threat off the list.

QPS began rolling out the vests to frontline officers across Queensland in January, with over 3300 officers having already received the ILBV as part of their personal issued equipment, while another 6000 have been meticulously measured to receive theirs.

Acting Senior Sergeant Lisle Manthey from the Organisational Capability Command said the vests had already proven their exceptional capability in keeping officers safe, even if it was somewhat unconventional.

“The officer charged by the bull was able to walk away from this incident because of the impeccable safety and capability of this vest. Without it, the officer could have suffered life-threatening injuries or worse," Acting Senior Sergeant Manthey said.

“These vests not only allow officers to safely carry their accoutrements on a daily basis, but they provide added protection against offenders who may be armed with knives or firearms or on this occasion, the brunt of a charging bull.

“The combination of both the soft and hard amour ensures the vest is able to disperse a wide range of impacts.

"No matter what an officer may be struck with – large or small – the vest will distribute the impact of the force or trauma, potentially avoiding lethal consequences for the officer."

Alas, we mere mortal cow cockies won't be able to enjoy such a buffer next time we enter the yards, and will instead have to rely on the tried and true method of fight or flight. 

It's probably not all bad though - could you imagine how hot you'd get wearing one of those vests while working cattle in the yards? 

I reckon I'll take my chances with the aforementioned toey beast...and keep front of mind the wisdom bestowed upon me in the yards one day - "Just remember, you're not as fast as you think you are, buddy". 

Please note, while this article is written in a tongue-in-cheek manner, we do not make light of the contribution first responders make to keeping us safe.