California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 2259.5

The commissioner shall make certified bulletproof vests available to members of the California Highway Patrol while engaged in enforcement activities.  The commissioner may make the equipment available to the remainder of the personnel of the California Highway Patrol.  The equipment shall remain the property of the Department of the California Highway Patrol and shall be returned upon request of the commissioner.  This section shall not be construed to require that the commissioner provide one certified bulletproof vest for each member of the California Highway Patrol.  It is the intent of this section that a sufficient number of vests be available for the use of members of the California Highway Patrol while engaged in enforcement activities.  The vests may be passed from one shift to another in the interests of economy.