NCJ Number
217551
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 92,94,97
Date Published
February 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the proper fit and maintenance of body armor in order to provide an officer with the utmost protection.
Abstract
The manner in which body armor is fitted and maintained has a far greater impact on how long and effectively body armor will protect an officer against a serious threat. Properly fitted body armor enables the wearer to have unrestricted movement. The fit impacts both its comfort and protective properties. An improperly fitted vest will not only be uncomfortable, but it may not provide the protection it was intended to provide. In addition, body armor should not be viewed as just another piece of an officer’s uniform. It is a critical component of an officer’s safety equipment and should be maintained and treated as such. It is important to review and closely follow the care instructions provided by the vest’s manufacturer for continued performance. Other issues related to cleaning and storing body armor to help maximize its service life and effectiveness include cleaning the ballistic panels, cleaning the carrier, storing the vest, and vest inspection or repairs. With body armor becoming a regular part of the officer’s uniform equipment, it is more important than ever that users become better educated on how their vests should fit and be maintained. It’s an investment that can save an officer’s life.