Maybe its time to run our Police like the British, with predominantly unarmed officers, with fire-arms teams readily available when needed.
So what is a few criminals turn runner and get away because some physically un-fit cops can't chase them down? Most criminals get away, then get found out later.
Maybe Unarmed officers would wear WHITE jacketed uniforms, or maybe white sleeves, and wouldn't carry any weapons (and that includes no multi-shock Tasers) other than a small self-defense baton. (Something that leaves a distinctive trace-able mark). They could still wear bullet/stab proof vests if desired.
They'd get defensive martial arts training and conflict deescalation training instead of fire arms training.
This would not, as some claim, result in mass killing of police, because the white jacket would make it clear they are unarmed and present no immediate physical threat.
Even if they come to arrest someone, they are not likely to induce fear and loathing Most police effect most arrests without ever pulling a gun. Most arrests are not for crimes that killing someone is an acceptable outcome.
Even among thieves and drug dealers there's no glory in shooting an unarmed man. The unarmed white shirted police officer would be as safe as the ticket writing "meter maids" of the 50's who were never armed.
Armed apprehension teams could be dispatched when the need presented itself.
Why is it a 5' 2" female unarmed British constable can effect an arrest of a pub brawler, but American ex-military, 6'4" cops can't issue a speeding ticket without a side arm?
It works elsewhere.
Takata Airbag recall http://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/takatalist.html
Why not just provide optimally cut pieces of kevlar that can be placed over the bag, (but under the steering wheel covers or dashboard plastic). The kevlar would not be attached to anything, and would not prevent or delay deployment. It would be sized to simply snag the shrapnel and slow it enough to prevent penetration. It might be easier to retrofit this change than it would be to replace every airbag in every vehicle.