This online assessment of body armor fit guides individual police officers in completing the provided checklist, which identifies whether the officer's armor fit hinders him/her in performing his/her duties with as much comfort as possible while wearing body armor.
An introductory comment notes that although body armor is not necessarily comfortable, any identified problems noted in this guided assessment may be an indication that an officer's armor has not been properly fitted and should be brought to the attention of his/her supervisor. This assessment is excerpted from ASTM E3003, Standard Practice for Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor. Step-by-step instructions are provided for the fit assessment. The checklist instructs an officer in various testing procedures. The assessment queries officers on their experiences while wearing the armor in performing physical movements that may be required in the course of performing law enforcement duties. The following movements are included in the assessment: 1) preparation (donning the armor and other gear); 2) visual examination in a mirror or in front of another officer; 3) handgun shooting stance (if applicable); 4) shoulder weapon shooting stance (if applicable); 5) restraint operations; 6) sitting position; and 7) vehicle operation.