New jail protective vests unveiled by Cobb Sheriff during community update

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens, during his end-of-year community briefing at South Cobb High School, announced the introduction of new protective vests for deputies working in the Cobb County jail.

Made with Kevlar, a durable synthetic fiber, the vests are designed to withstand heat and provide protection against puncture wounds from knives or improvised inmate weapons. The initiative comes in response to recent incidents, including the tragic death of a corrections officer in south Georgia.

One notable feature of these vests is the incorporation of an innovative two-way body camera system called the Axon 4. Cobb County is one of only five law enforcement agencies in the country with access to this technology.

The Axon 4 allows officers to connect directly with medical and mental health professionals during crises within the jail, facilitating real-time communication and assessment. Sheriff Owens emphasized the significance of this technology, describing it as a “FaceTime on a body cam.”

Funded by the Sheriff’s Office Detention Uniform budget, each protective vest costs $1,350, and 424 vests are currently in use among officers in the jail. New hires will be issued these vests as part of their equipment, ensuring the safety of all officers. Sheriff Owens stressed the importance of providing top-notch protective gear for law enforcement, stating that the citizens of Cobb County deserve nothing less.

The Sheriff’s community briefing highlighted other protective efforts for jail officers, including the establishment of a Critical Response Team, comprising 48 members, who are equipped with tools such as the BolaWrap, a device that acts like a lasso to immobilize suspects or detainees. The team’s focus is on responding to jail emergencies, including contraband seizures and riots, using de-escalation tactics.

Other updates from the Sheriff included the introduction of a drone unit, new personnel introductions, and the swearing-in of seven horses to the Mounted Patrol Unit. This community briefing marked the third and final connection point for 2023. Sheriff Owens plans to hold quarterly events in the future to foster positive bonds with the citizens of Cobb County and keep them informed about ongoing projects in the Sheriff’s Office.