Back with a bulletproof vest

Our first action is always to withdraw staff from any dangerous situation and look at other ways of working that would not put them at risk. Only if there is no other option and with police advice would we consider the provision of these vests.

We take the safety of all our staff seriously and have approved the use of bulletproof vests on one estate on recent crack house raids. The vests were provided by the police.

The circumstances we faced on this estate led us to undertake an assessment of safety and consequently we have approved the use of vests where needed. We do not anticipate the use of vests very often. Bulletproof vests are only one item of protective clothing. Our staff need to be protected from other hazards. I understand why the article emphasised the use of bulletproof vests but that emphasis was, in our view, irresponsible. The problem we and others face is not widespread and we should not unnecessarily alarm staff and residents.

Mike Donaldson, group director of corporate strategy and communications London & Quadrant

It sounds as though antisocial behaviour consultant Adam Greenwood needs to get back out there on the front line. His comment – that “incidents of agression towards housing staff are relatively small so the risks are relatively small” – was flippant.

Too often, comments like this are taken as truth by ministers who fear to step unaccompanied into the estates that housing staff have to work in daily. Adam Greenwood should get out there before making a comment.

Melisa Golden, Comment via the Housing Today website

London & Quadrant’s bulletproof vest scheme is in its infancy, so it should be seen as a pilot. If the outcome is encouraging, I see no reason why other registered social landlords should not follow suit. Antisocial behaviour might often be dangerous so, based on previous experience, prevention is a sensible option.

The critics of this scheme need to wake up and smell the coffee.

Adetayo Adebesin, Comment via the Housing Today website