After a years-long debate over outer carrier vests, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is now allowing patrol officers to wear them without a doctor's note.  

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police said Police Chief Johnny Jennings has denied its requests to let patrol officers wear outer carrier vests for years. Only specialized units are allowed to wear the vests, and patrol officers can too with special permission due to medical reasons.  

However, on Thursday, a department-wide email said all officers can now request a vest if they want one for preventative care and minor medical issues.  

It’s unclear why Chief Johnny Jennings has changed his mind. He previously said in a statement to WCNC Charlotte that the vests raise safety concerns and make patrol officers look militarized.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/charlotte-police-outer-vests/275-c1861d5b-97f7-44ec-a4f0-d8625ad5ad0d

Watch WCNC Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m.

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with news that impacts you from the team at WCNC Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Click here to sign up for the daily WCNC Charlotte newsletter to get news that impacts you