NCJ Number
103419
Date Published
1986
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Presentations on armor given by individuals representing research, marketing, manufacturing, and law enforcement address soft body armor selection, maintenance, and replacement.
Abstract
A program manager for standards at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) discusses the history of Kevlar body armor, the how and why of standards development at NIJ, and factors that should be considered in selecting proper threat levels for armor. Areas covered in a presentation given by a manufacturer's representative include the care and maintenance of Kevlar armor, inspection techniques, determining when a Kevlar vest should be replaced, and maximizing wear. Another speech from the manufacturers' and distributors' perspective highlights issues in the soft body armor market, notably standards aimed at simplified testing procedures and increasing the wearing comfort of vests. The last speaker surveys information resources available to law enforcement from the public and private sectors, the Personal Protective Armor Association (PPAA), The DuPont Company, the Technology Assessment Program Information Center, and Law Enforcement Standards Laboratory. Biographical sketches of presenters, results of used body armor testing, and a PPAA membership list are provided.