Body Armor Video for Officers

• NCJ Number: 237972
• Author(s): National Institute of Justice; National Law Enforcement Technology Center
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 4 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance; Instructional Material

Annotation

This video and accompanying transcript provide detailed officer accounts of encounters in their careers when their body armor likely saved their lives, interspersed with narrator comments on the testing, design, comfort, and maintenance of body armor.

Abstract

Early in the video, the narrator notes that firearms have been one of the most common causes of officer deaths. The narrator also reports that in the early 1970s the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Office of Law Enforcement Standards began a joint mission to develop body armor comfortable enough to be worn full-time, yet tough enough to resist the force of bullet impact. Subsequently, NIJ developed body armor testing and approval, so as to ensure that body armor is able to provide life-saving protection from gun and knife attacks. The narrator also comments on the areas of the body covered by the armor and discusses how it should be worn for maximum protection. Special body armor design features are described for female officers. Regarding maintenance of body armor, the narrator advises that each time body armor is used it should be inspected for signs of wear or exposed ballistic material. If these are found, the vest should be returned to the manufacturer for replacement. Cleaning instructions for the vest should be provided and followed.