By Joanna Putman
Police1
AKRON, Ohio — The city of Akron is taking urgent action to replace counterfeit ballistic plates previously used by its SWAT officers after receiving warnings from the Department of Homeland Security about their authenticity, WKYC reported.
Akron Police Captain Agostino Micozzi revealed the issue during a public safety committee meeting, where the city council approved a $60,000 expenditure for 40 sets of new ballistic plates, each costing about $1,300, according to the report.
“These are the types of plates that stop rifle rounds,” Micozzi explained to the council. “This is just for those moments when they are in the highest risk situations where they need the most protection.”
The need to replace all ballistic plates at once marks a significant departure from the city’s usual practice of buying these plates over a five-year period, according to the report.
The supplier, ShotStop Ballistics LLC, which is now accused of providing the suspected-bogus armor, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and vacated its headquarters in Stow, Ohio. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are currently investigating the company, with a federal search warrant executed in Stow on October 18, 2023, according to the report.
“We are cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security and their investigation,” expressing hope for potential restitution,” Micozzi said.