Establishment of Interdisciplinary Working Group for Review of Kinetic Energy Munitions

• NCJ Number: 236909
• Date Published: August 2010
• Length: 28 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2005-MU-MU-K001
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

This report provides an overview and summary of findings from two interdisciplinary review panels established between 2006 and 2010, the Armor Blunt Trauma (BABT) review panel and the Less Lethal Technologies Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel (LLTMSAP).

Abstract

Regarding BABT, Wayne State University and the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors' Club collaborated to determine the types of injuries that are likely to occur from a blunt impact to the chest and to determine whether the current standard for body armor is effective in preventing serious injuries to the chest. As of the date of this report, all of the past ballistic cases from the Survivors' Club database have been contacted. As new cases enter into the Survivors' Club, packets continue to be sent requesting their participation. Medical records have been procured for 50 cases. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 54 of the survivors. In addition, in order to acquire more details from each of the participating cases, police reports are now being requested from the appropriate agencies. Nine police reports have been received to date. As part of the research process, a blue ribbon panel of experts was created to review the findings of the study. The panel is composed of researchers, administrators, physicians, and representatives of the law enforcement community. Three meeting have been held. Each participating case is examined by the panel. Input is then provided by panel members on how to improve the data that are received. A summary from each meeting is provided. The aim of the LLTMSAP panel is to minimize risk to the general public as well as law enforcement officers regarding less-lethal technologies. The panel will provide independent expert review of information related to less-lethal technology. This report presents the results of assessments of a number of recent less-lethal technologies. 4 tables, 1 figure, and 5 references