NCJ Number
221451
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 74 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 24,26,28,30,32,34,36
Date Published
December 2007
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidance for police chiefs in developing a plan for procuring ballistic body armor for their officers.
Abstract
The article first reviews the history of body-armor development, including how the U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police has acted to improve the quality and expand the use of ballistic body armor. This historical review is followed by advice to police chiefs on the procurement of body armor. Two of the issues that must be addressed are cost and variance in or the absence of standards and specifications for body armor. In addressing these issues, the article recommends that police agencies at the regional or State level form a law-based consortium to handle the purchase of specific equipment and supplies. This increases leverage for negotiation in price for body armor and other items. In the development of useful standards and specifications for body armor, police labor unions should have input. Agencies must recognize that the threats encountered by officers in a specific community, area, or region are the primary determinants of the specifications for the body armor needed. The scope of the request for proposals from body-armor vendors must clearly define needs and requirements. NIJ ballistic body armor standards should be the minimum requirement. The article also provides advice on standards documentation to be submitted to body-armor vendors, purchase requirements, purchase quantity, design requirement, ballistic panel materials, panel construct, performance, labeling, cover and carrier materials, plate inserts, lot testing, fit, testing, insurance, service life, training, and vendor documentation.