The Body Armour Control Act takes effect in February.

“We know that body armour is being used to advance criminal activity”, said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mark Furey. “By limiting its use, we are better protecting police, other law enforcement officers and Nova Scotians.”

Beginning Feb. 20, only those who require body armour due to the nature of their employment will be authorized to possess it. This includes police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, special constables, conservation officers, bylaw enforcement officers, security guards and paramedics.

Those who are not authorized to possess body armour will have until Feb. 19 to dispose of it.

People can turn it over to a police agency to be destroyed. They may also give or sell it to an authorized person.

Once the act is proclaimed, police and conservation officers will be able to seize body armour from anyone who is not able to prove they are authorized to have it.

If individuals can show within 30 days that they are authorized to possess it, the body armour will be returned. Those who cannot may face fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

Officers will be able to issue summary offence tickets and have the discretion of laying changes.

The act does not apply to safety equipment used for sports or as required under occupational health and safety regulations.

The body armour control regulations can be found at https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/rxaa-l.htm#bodarm .

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Source : Media Release