Under the Summary Offences Act, amended after a resolution of the Australasian Police Ministers Council in November 1996, a national approach was implemented to control the use and possession of body armour, commonly known as 'bullet proof vests'.

The amendment was recommended to help prevent the use of protective garments by armed offenders.

The Legislation effective in South Australia includes:

• The written approval of the Commissioner of Police to use, possess, manufacture, sell, distribute, supply or otherwise deal in body armour;
• Any person who already has possession of body armour must apply to the Commissioner of Police for approval to retain it;
• A penalty of $8,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment for any person who uses, possesses or deals in body armour without the written approval of the Commissioner of Police
• Approval by the Commissioner of Police for a class of persons to possess and use body armour, by notice published in the South Australian Government Gazette.

Public enquiries concerning the possession and use of body armour can be made to:

Firearms Branch

Address: 100 Angas Street Adelaide SA 5000

Phone: (08) 7322 3346

Fax: (08) 7322 4182