Bulletproof vests save law enforcement lives every day, but in some departments it is up to the officer whether to wear the vest or not. Recently, a Goose Creek officer was shot and he was not wearing a vest.

The Isle of Palms Police Department says the environment, the heat, the sun and beach patrols are part of the reason why they, like Goose Creek, give officers the option.

“They don’t spend all their time in the car and they have to go out and run to the beach a lot of times. Missing children, water missions, somebody in trouble in the water,” IOP Assistant Chief Lieutenant Ray Wright said.

The Isle of Palms police department said it issues all of its sworn officers with two vests, comprised of an outer carrier worn on the outside of clothes or an inner carrier worn inside of clothes.

“We require that they have them with them easily accessible in the car. Most of them choose to wear the vest,” Wright said.

Wright said about a year ago when the department purchased the outer carrier vests, more people chose to wear them because they were more comfortable to officers out on the streets battling the elements. He said depending on the situation an officer can take them off or put them back on within seconds.

Wright said the panels are made of Kevlar and can withstand a 40-caliber bullet. He said even though the cost of the outer carrier is close to $100 more expensive than the inner carrier, it is worth it.

“They’re just more comfortable and that increases the number of people wearing them,” Wright said.

There are a number of agencies in the area that make it mandatory for officers to wear bulletproof vests and those departments are eligible for grant money to help pay for them.

Most manufacturers say bulletproof vests last for five years and then they need to be replaced. The cost is more than $500 per vest.