NCJ Number
153625
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1995) Pages: 33-37,55-56
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes recent advances in technology, design, and style of body armor for law enforcement officers.
Abstract
The primary motivation behind new designs has been to make body armor lighter weight and more flexible in order to give the wearer comfort without sacrificing safety. However, responses to a survey conducted by one body armor manufacturer indicated that police officers would choose greater protection over comfort. Another company claims that fit is the first criterion for wearability. A new design feature in body vests is the use of waterproof, breathable fabrics. A current trend is to let police departments design their own tactical vest configuration to meet the needs of their officers. According to the article, there is not a single reported incident of a police officer being killed while wearing a correctly rated body vest. While some departments are moving toward buying vests with a higher level of protection, those vest tend to be less flexible and less comfortable, with the result that fewer officers will wear them. On the other hand, as body armor becomes lighter, the risk of police officers suffering blunt trauma increases.