Posted: 3/18/2007 6:17:11 AM EDT
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During our last contract my department (corrections) made it mandatory that we wear puncture resistant vests. In a new directive to the uniform code they, also stated that "Persons working outside the secure perimeter of the facility, inmate transfers involving level 3,4,5 inmates (shift commander has the option on level 1 & 2 inmates) and CWP (Community Work Program) supervisors are to wear the ballistic vests. Here lies the problem. I work outside of the secure perimeter in the perimeter patrol and in another job that has me outside the secure perimeter. I talked to the Major this week and he said that they probably wouldn't issue us perimeter officers ballistic vests. Instead they want us to wear the puncture resistant vests with a T-15 Second Chance plate. I asked the Major if he would trust his life to this, he of course said no, but it was good enough for us. I plan on getting a ballistic vest anyway. In another blinding flash of insight, the new directive mandates that we wear the ballistic vests OUTSIDE of our uniforms (so every homie knows to aim for the head / lower body and not the vest). Here are my options: 1. Get a vest identical to what the department is using. 2. Get a tactical vest (because it is designed to be worn outside the uniform) 3. What level armor should I get? The department is going with level II. Should I spend the extra money and upgrade to level IIIA? 4. Can I clain this purchase on my taxes as an unreimbursed business expense? 5. I can get the vest at department cost through the distributor. Thanks in advance. |
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I'm not sure what the department was looking at. Wait, oh yes I can. The department wanted us to wear the vest we already had. A 6 (at the time of the contract, now close to eight) year old Second Chance Spike 1 vest. They were bought with funds from the 1994 Omnibus Crime Act. Therefore the department didn't have to pay a cent for any of the vests because the money was coming from the feds. The arbitrator said we had to wear the vests (because our job is hazardous) but he wanted the state to buy new ones and have to replace them every five years. The department had to go along with it because the arbitration is binding for both parties. I really bet the DOC wished they would have kept their mouths shut. At $450 per vest (not to mention the bullet resistant ones) for 10,000 employees that amounts to 4.5 million dollars every five years. Money that could have been spent on basket weaving classes and other "feel good" programs for the convicts. As far as taxes go. I deduct for my union dues and we are given a stipend of $450 to cover the costs of non uniform items like underwear, boots/shoes and T shirts along with dry cleaning. The $450 wouldn't cover the cost of those items AND a vest. If the vest has "Corrections" on it, it can't be used for day to day wear and is needed for my work so it would be deductable from my state taxes. I was wondering about federal taxes. |