MEIGS — Meigs police officers soon will have better protection against crime. 

The Meigs City Council approved purchasing three new bulletproof vests to replace the Meigs Police Department’s five out-of-date vests in a 3-1 vote. Council member Jimmy Layton, a former Meigs police chief, cast the lone dissenting vote. 

Meigs Police Chief Darrell Laster requested purchasing three vests for $490 each, totaling to $1,470. Each new vest will be outfitted to each individual officer. The Meigs Police Department has three officers, including Laster.  

“We do need vests to protect them (officers) while they’re out there,” Laster told council members.  

Laster noted there are two levels of bulletproof vests, Level 2 and Level 3. 

“Usually police departments go with Level 3s,” he said, adding Level 3 vests offer better protection.  

Meigs Mayor Cheryl Walters noted the police department is not separated in the city’s budget. Funding will come from the City of Meigs general fund. 

Council member Lizzie Battle questioned if the current vests could be sold. Laster noted if the vests are sold to another police department, the City of Meigs will be liable if an officer is injured while wearing the vest. 

The vests are at least seven years past their expiration date, Laster said. 

According to Laster, the current vests will be destroyed. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.