Thames Valley Police Repurposes Unused Body Armour Into Ukraine Evacuation Vehicles After Drone Attacks

Thames Valley Police said unused police body armour that "no longer aligns with current UK policing requirements" has been repurposed and built into vehicles to help save lives in the Ukraine War.

“- Published Unused police body armour has been repurposed and built into vehicles to help save lives in the Ukraine War”

BBC

The force said that in one incident, armour fitted to an evacuation vehicle absorbed the blast from a drone attack, enabling two casualties and two crew members to survive.

BBC

BBC reported that the kit had been used by emergency responders working in conflict-affected areas of the country, and that a vehicle stuffed with the old armour had been "deployed for casualty evacuation before and after a drone attack".

Thames Valley Police said the items had been introduced over the past few months, and that the initiative had already saved the force "thousands" of pounds by avoiding disposal costs.

The BBC added that other donated items included thermal clothing, first aid kits, footwear and rubber boots to reduce cases of trench foot.

Alongside the repurposed armour, BBC said hand sanitiser was being repurposed into candles to provide heat and light for responders in war zones.

BBC also reported that chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN) equipment was offering protection against chemical irritants.

ladepeche.fr

Thames Valley Police said the repurposed items "still retains protective and operational value" and were now supporting police officers, firefighters, paramedics and volunteers responding to emergencies in war zones.

Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: "By thinking differently, we're reducing waste, saving public money and ensuring equipment that still has value continues to protect lives rather than being destroyed."

The BBC framed the approach as a way to keep equipment from being destroyed, with the force saying it had already saved "thousands" of pounds.

BBC said the initiative had been introduced over the past few months, with Thames Valley Police describing it as a practical idea that made a "real difference" for people working in dangerous conditions.

“Two police officers fired at a fleeing vehicle after a failure to stop, on Wednesday evening in Toulon (Var), severely injuring its passenger”

Le Parisien

Chief Constable Jason Hogg told BBC: "What started as a simple, practical idea has made a real difference to people working in some of the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable."

The BBC reported that the force had already saved money because it did not have to pay for disposal, and that the repurposed armour had been used to support casualty evacuation around drone attacks.

In the same BBC account, the force said the equipment was being used by emergency responders working in conflict-affected areas of the country, and that the armour had absorbed a drone blast in at least one incident.

BBC concluded that the repurposed kit, including thermal clothing, first aid kits, footwear and rubber boots, was being used to reduce cases of trench foot while responders handled emergencies in war zones.