Law enforcement

$7.5mn military-grade protection: NYPD buys new equipment for patrol officers

The shootings of police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas have prompted the New York Police Department (NYPD) to buy $7.5 million worth of military-grade protection equipment for on-duty officers.

Police Commissioner William Bratton told a news conference on Monday that the NYPD has purchased 20,000 military helmets, 6,000 military heavy duty bullet-proof vests, trauma kits, and ballistic doors and windows for patrol cars, Reuters reported.

While NYPD special units are already equipped with military-grade gear and arms, patrol officers - who typically arrive first to shooting situations - are said to begin wearing the upgraded equipment in September.