BISMARCK, N.D. ( KXNET ) — Bismarck’s police chief says the department may be out tens of thousands of dollars after they were recently sold some unreliable protective plates.

Bismarck officers wear the plates in their vests, also known as external carriers. The situation began within the last year, when police supervisors ordered over 100 ballistic plates from the Ohio-based company ShotStop.

However, a city commander soon discovered the company was under federal investigation for claims that they misrepresented the structural safety and the integrity of the plates.
Since then, the police department ordered replacement plates from the company Safari-land —
but chief Dave Draovitch says he doubts Bismarck will get the over $30,000 it spent back.

“They are going to try and help the individual officers that purchased with their own money first before they go to cities,” Draovitch explains. “The likelihood of the city of Bismarck recouping their losses is probably slim to none. We’re going to try, if we can, and if we have an opportunity.”

The company Shot Stop has already filed for bankruptcy. This week, Bismarck city leaders approved a request from the police department to dispose of the old plates.

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