Police Commissioner Mr. Colin Coxall yesterday pledged to put bullet-proof jackets in squad cars.

That would make them more available to officers in times of danger, he said.

Further, the Service was spending "a lot of money'' on public disorder equipment for officers, he said. Fire resistant overalls, protective helmets and shields were currently on order.

He was responding to reports that some Police officers were buying stab- resistant and bullet-proof vests at their own expense.

Mr. Coxall admitted he was aware that some officers had opted to obtain their own gear.

"Last year, a few officers decided to go out on their own and purchase their own jackets,'' he said.

However he said the Police Service was already equipped with stab-resistant and bullet-proof vests and jackets which are stored at Police Headquarters.

But as of yesterday Mr. Coxall said they would be placed in patrol cars.

He said it was unlikely that the wearing of such jackets would ever be made mandatory.

"It would be impractical for Police officers to be required to wear stab- resistant jackets for an eight hour tour of duty,'' he said.

They were, he said, "very uncomfortable''. The jackets offering the highest degree of protection were also the heaviest and the most uncomfortable.

And while he was not opposed to officers buying their own, he said he did not think it necessary for any officer to have to purchase any equipment on his or her own adding he preferred officers to make use of Police equipment.

"If any officers have done it, I have no objection,'' he said. "But I feel I have a duty to provide equipment to protect Police officers.'' Commissioner Colin Coxall