NCJ Number
202412
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 27 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 56-59
Date Published
June 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article explains a bullet-placement strategy for incapacitating a dangerous suspect who may be wearing a ballistic vest.
Abstract
The torso continues to be the initial target for a police officer's shot, because it is the largest portion of the body, and a shot to this area of the body will usually incapacitate the suspect. As has been the case in some relatively recent police encounters, however, an offender many be wearing body armor that protects the torso. When it is clear that a shot to the torso has not stopped a suspect, an officer should quickly focus on the head and neck area as a target; however, because of the greater risk of missing this smaller target and endangering bystanders with the missed shot, the officer should assume a kneeling position that will give the bullet's trajectory an upward direction that reduces the chance of hitting bystanders who are located behind the suspect. Another option is to place a shot in the pelvic/femur joint area of the suspect's body. This area is usually unprotected by a ballistic vest, and a shot to this area of the body will usually disrupt mobility. A combination sequence of shots first to the torso and then to the pelvic area before moving to the head and neck area would be appropriate if there are bystanders in the area, or possibly an initial shot to the pelvic area if a ballistic vest is suspected, followed by a shot to the torso, and then a third shot to the pelvic area. The latter sequence is likely to achieve incapacitation without the more risky shot to the smaller area of the neck and head.