Working with Iowa State University Police Department to design an improved set of secure duty belt suspenders that free up space for equipment on the belt and relieve back pain caused by the weight of the duty belt.
Discomfort from the amount/weight of equipment on belt, the placement of items and the force of equipment cause is a serious health and safety issue for law enforcement.
A solution to this issue, load-bearing vests, place equipment on the front of the body lightening the load on an officers hips but do not distribute weight evenly. Many police departments are hesitant using this style of vest due to its tactical appearance.
Research & Ideation
The Suspender
Suspenders with Vest
The load-bearing suspender transfers the weight of the belt to the shoulders of the user and is secure to the vest. Additional equipment can be placed in the side and top pockets to evenly distribute weight across the body.
Suspenders Without Vest
The load-bearing suspenders can be worn under external vest or on top of uniform. The suspender includes an optional H harness for support.
The shoulder pads of the suspenders can be further secured into place by an adjustable shoulder attachment. The shoulder piece can be removed and adjusted along the shoulder pad for comfort. The Piece once attached works as an additional pocket.
Two side pockets secure the suspenders to the vest and can store low profile items. The shoulder pads and straps can be removed and the side pockets will still support the belt.
