Attorney General Mark Shurtleff announced today that a settlement has been reached with the manufacturer of defective bulletproof vests worn by more than 950 Utah law enforcement officers. Second Chance Body Armor of Central Lake, Michigan agreed to replace the vests because they fail to stop bullets and deteriorate excessively from heat, humidity or light. Second Chance will also pay $210,143 to compensate state and local agencies for the difference in the purchase price of the vests.

"It is unthinkable to have officers protecting our lives while they are worrying whether their vests will protect their own lives," says Shurtleff. "This settlement will help keep our officers safe and it keeps taxpayers from picking up the bill."

The Ultima and Ultimax vests are made of Zylon-a thin, lightweight and flexible fiber that is supposed to offer full protection from bullets. However, the National Institute of Justice found that the vests failed to stop a .44 caliber bullet from penetration. The manufacturer of Zylon also determined in 1998 that the strength of the fiber decreased under elevated temperature, humidity, sunlight or flourescent light.

"With more than 150 law enforcement officers in the field from the Department of Natural Resources, we are pleased that a settlement was reached offering them greater protection," says Bob Morgan, Executive Director; Utah Department of Natural Resources.

On June 23, 2003, a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania police officer was seriously injured by a .40 caliber bullet while wearing an Ultima Vest.

"Our officers are confronting armed suspects everyday. It is imperative that they have the highest level of protection available to them. We appreciate Attorney General Shurtleff for his leadership in facilitating a settlement to this important issue," says Rudy Musclow, Chief of Law Enforcement, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Second Chance offered free ballistic pads for the vests last year but the "free upgrade" still failed testing standards. Three months later the manufacturer said it would replace the vests sold in Utah with a Monarch Summit Full Wrap vest. However, the Monarch isn’t as comfortable and sells for $200-400 less than the vests being replaced. Assistant Attorney General Joel Ferre and Division of Purchasing Director Douglas Richins continued to work with the company until it agreed to replace the vests and refund the additional costs.

"I feel good about it," says Richins. "The settlement is fair and taxpayers are made whole."

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