Police sergeant disciplined for raising money for a bulletproof vest

We’ve seen Go Fund Me pages started for all sorts of things. This story out of Florida is a first.
After learning that his department couldn’t afford the costs for upgraded vests, a Port St. Lucie sergeant started a Go Fund Me page in an attempt to raise the money from the public. Turns out that a violation of department policy; an officer can make the purchase on his own, but he can’t solicit funding from outsiders.
The department has 235 officers who are currently issued level 3 vests. It would cost about $200,000 to buy level 4 vests for all.
Shouldn’t officers have the latest protective equipment given today’s risks, the reporter asked?
It’s a question we’re left wondering about as well.