All I carry on my belt is my radio. Had a pager but it may or may not have gone through the wash so now i just get pages on my phone. Flashlight in my pocket, shears in their spot on my pants, a couple sharpies and a couple pens in their various pockets. Probably should carry a knife but I don't. My shears work just fine every time I've needed to cut something.
I work for an urban EMS system and we spend plenty of time in less than desirable neighborhoods but I've never felt I needed a vest.