Queensland's Police dogs will have another layer of protection when out on the job thanks to the rollout of new protective vests.
New stab-resistant harnesses fitted with layered polymer panels to shield vital organs are being rolled out to all general purpose police dogs around the state.
The overall design is made from military-spec nylon which does not absorb moisture and will provide the dogs protection from kicks and blows.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the State Government had spent $75,000 on the purchase of harnesses for 75 dogs.
"Our Queensland police dogs assist in the apprehension of over 1,000 offenders each year. Often these offenders are armed and aggressive and will hit out at our dogs," Mr Ryan said.
"When the dogs are fitted with the harness they will have a similar level of protection as an officer does when wearing a stab-resistant body armour vest.
"The harness weighs just over 1 kilogram and is designed so it will not impair agility and speed."
The new harnesses will also allow for ice packs to be inserted to aid in the cooling of the dogs.
Earlier this year police dog Waco died after succumbing to heat stroke after tracking an offender in Deception Bay.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said protective vests were an excellent addition to the unit.
"Police dogs serve the Queensland community selflessly and are an important frontline policing tool directly responsible for the apprehension of more than 1,000 offenders every year," Commissioner Stewart said.
"These new vests afford a greater level of protection to such an important and valued police resource."
