Benefit for IMPD officers to help add layer of protection

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – IMPD’s southeast district hoped to raise enough money to buy protective plates to fit inside their vests called Paraclete.

The thin eight by 10 inch insert is designed to protect vital organs from rifle rounds.

On July 5, 2014, Officer Perry Renn was a 22-year veteran with IMPD and was shot with a high powered rifle. The rounds pierced his bullet proof vest and his did not survive his injuries.

According to police officers, they receive a vest and soft trauma plate. If officers want an extra layer of protection, they have to pay for it.

To help offset those costs, City Barbeque in Greenwood is offering to help 200 officers with their efforts by donating 25 percent of all proceeds earned on Saturday to the purchase of a Paraclete.

“IMPD’s Swat Team, the Violent Crime Unit and North District night shift officers are the officers at this time who have a Paraclete,” said IMPD Public Information Officer, Kendale Adams.

When Mayor Ballard’s office was contact they told 24-Hour News 8 that IMPD was going to respond.

IMPD Police Chief Hite offered this statement:

IMPD is looking at a ballistic vest, but we must be very careful in our selection process. We continue to review additional technologies to ensure it will be both effective and efficient if worn by officers. We look at the development stages of a product to ensure it meets both federal and or local standards. We will consult with our Fire Arm’s Unit to ensure we are providing our officers the best protection possible.