Body Armor
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Gang and gun violence has spurred B.C. lawmakers to restrict the sale and possession on body armour in the province the first of its kind in Canada.
The Body Armour Control Act, part of premier Gordon Campbell’s seven-point plan to combat the spate of bloody gang shootings that has plagued Metro Vancouver and other parts of B.C., comes into effect tomorrow.
Under the new law, anyone who wants to purchase or sell body armour must undergo a mandatory criminal check and apply for a permit or license.
Individuals or businesses who currently own Bulletproof Vest have until January 1, 2011 to apply for a permit.
Exemptions are made for people who are required to wear body armour as part of their jobs, including police officers, sheriffs, correction officers, armoured car guards, security guards, security consultants, private investigators and conservations officers.
A special 90-day permit exemption is available to non-B.C. residents who are temporarily working in B.C. and are required to wear body armour, as well as to those who believes their safety is at imminent risk.
Fines of up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 can be imposed for people who don’t obtain the necessary permits. Jail terms of up to six months are also possible.
