[Mod Hat On]
Let's NOT get into who's paranoid and who isn't and why. If you have a
reasoned argument, make it. Leave the paranoia out of it.
[/Mod Hat Off]
I'm not a cop, never worn a vest, but I do know a few and my pastor is the county chaplan, so he has a vest too.
I don't know of any who wear off duty and I do know a few who carry regularly and they are very open about it, so I doubt they're hiding the vest.
I personally feel no need. I also feel no need for a backup gun or reloads. Since this is America and we still get to choose, I don't carry what I don't feel I need.
If you're more comfortable (mentally) with it than without it, wear it. If you try it for awhile and don't like it or decide its overboard, stop wearing it.
It ain't a tattoo, you can undo it.