Female police officers in Germany have been issued new bulletproof bras which will act as a second line of defense if they are shot on duty. The bras are designed to be worn underneath a bulletproof vest in order to better absorb the impact of gunshots.

More than 3,000 officers are being encouraged to swap their regular lingerie to the new bulletproof bras.

The creator of the bulletproof bra, Carmen Kibat, is with the police herself, serving as an adviser on equal opportunities for the Bundespolizei, Germany's federal police force. She says that she thought normal bras posed a safety risk, in that the impact of a bullet can push the metal and plastic parts of the bra into an officer's body, causing significant injury.

The bras have already been tested out by dozens of officers. They look very similar to sports bras, and are white, thickly padded, and made from either cotton or polyester. They contain absolutely no underwiring, metal or plastic studs, or fasteners, and have the world "Polizei" (police) across the bottom.

Officers will be allowed to choose three bras of different designs, which vary in size and style. For now, the bulletproof bras will be optional attire - women can wear them if they choose.