The public are being warned to expect delays in police response times as officers begin an unprecedented work-to-rule campaign that includes restrictions on attending dangerous jobs if they are not carrying a stab-proof vest.

The industrial action, which starts at 7am today, comes after Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan officially rejected a push for all frontline officers to be issued with stab vests — a move that would cost an estimated $10million.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the rejection was the “straw that broke the camel’s back” for his members who were also angry that an offer of a 1.5 per cent pay rise has been withdrawn by the State Government.

Camera Icon Officers will wait for specialist police units, who carry vests, on weapon call outs. Credit: AAP

“First they refused our request for additional police officers,” he said.

“Next, they are happy for our members to attend violent incidents involving weapons without personal-issue stab-proof ballistic vests. And now they want to offer our hard-working police officers an insulting wage increase. This is deplorable and defies belief in the current climate.”

The action means only specialist police units who carry vests, such as the tactical response group and riot squad, will be expected to attend call-outs involving weapons such as knives, bottles or syringes.

Officers without vests would respond only if the specialist units were busy but only if a second vehicle was available to attend with them.

Camera Icon Officers will wait for specialist police units, who carry vests, on weapon call outs. Credit: AAP

The union’s campaign also includes a range of other “go-slow” measures Mr Tilbury admitted would affect response times.

The measures include a ban on working overtime, as well as requirements that officers conduct detailed vehicle safety inspections before they head out patrols and for them to return to their station to complete paperwork after every job is completed.

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The union said it did not believe the action would affect public safety but warned it would continue until its demands were met.

“The commissioner needs to show some leadership and fight for his officers,” Mr Tilbury said. “Although he is leaving in August, the commissioner still has a responsibility to advocate for officers.

Camera Icon Armed police approach a house to perform a breach and enter training exercise. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

“It appears the commissioner has no idea what police want and seems to have already left the building.”

A spokeswoman for Mr O’Callaghan said the police senior executive had absolute confidence that officers would not place the safety of the community at risk.

“The impacts of the union’s work-to-rule direction will be closely monitored to ensure the police response to urgent calls for assistance is not compromised,” she said.