Matt Craig
Law enforcement is a recognizably dangerous profession, with a fatality rate five times higher than the average US worker.
To help mitigate these occupational risks, most law enforcement agencies have mandatory policies in place for wearing personal protective equipment, such as soft armor vests, hard armor plates and ballistic helmets. The use of body armor has saved the lives of more than 3,000 officers in the last three decades, according to the National Institute of Justice.
If officers are bearing the weight of this equipment, it is important that it be properly configured for its purpose – ready to stop the threats officers face any given day on the job. Departments must complete a threat analysis and consider the task of each wearer to determine the best armor type needed for each officer. After this, the armor must be properly fitted, worn and maintained to ensure maximum effectiveness.
What does this require? How do we enable officers to feel confident in their armor and ensure their gear is performing effectively?
It All Starts with the Proper Fit
After being sworn in, officers are generally provided new vests every five years. Getting these vests custom fitted ensures officers receive both maximum comfort and protection.
When getting fitted, it is best to wear a complete uniform. This ensures that the vest doesn’t interfere with an officer’s duty belt while still providing full coverage. Straps should be tight enough to be secure without showing signs of rippling or buckling. When too tight, the straps cause the vest to sit too high which may leave the midsection vulnerable. The proper tightness also prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the outer carrier and the inner panels.
Oftentimes, academy graduates will be fitted at their peak physique, but gain weight back shortly after. If this is likely, it is important to let the person conducting the fitting know. If this happens unexpectedly and the vest no longer fits properly, it’s time to get a new vest.
Female officers have their own unique challenges when it comes to being properly fitted for armor. Shorter torsos and busts can cause armor to ride up or lay incorrectly. While there are options to have a carved out section for the bust, this is not necessarily more comfortable and correct placement is challenging. Because of this, some women prefer the typical vest fit. As women have children or their bodies change, it is again crucial to communicate these needs to your department’s uniform committee or representative. While asking to be refitted can be awkward, it can potentially be the difference between life and death.
Understanding the responsibilities of an officer and their daily tasks and activities helps to inform the performance weight, flexibility, cut, design, and area of protection.
Beyond protection, proper fitting and armor type provides wearers with the maximum comfort available – which 74% of recently surveyed law enforcement officers ranked as the most important quality of their armor.
The importance of comfort when purchasing body armor has been trending upward for quite some time. In the 2009 study performed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Police Executive Research Forum, comfort ranked as the fourth most considered factor following only behind defending against rounds from the weapon of the officer, safety level and NIJ compliance.
Care and Cleaning Help Prolong Equipment Life
When you have a proper fitting vest, it is important to care for it correctly in order to maintain the fit. Upon receiving a vest, officers should be sure to read the manufacturer’s care instructions included which explain how to store and clean your armor.
Of course, as it is worn daily for physical activity in any weather, the vests must be cleaned. Outer vests can typically be washed on delicate, but the panels should be washed by hand using water, mild soap and a washcloth. Excess moisture should be wiped away and all of the armor’s components should be laid out flat to dry. This protects the straps and prevents them from overstretching.
While it may seem like a good idea to spray the vest with deodorizers, it is best to avoid these chemicals which can damage the material. Wearing a moisture wicking shirt is recommended to avoid chafing and bad odors.
If a vest is made with a polyethylene material like Dyneema®, it can be washed with detergent in a washing machine. For those who are unsure what their vest is made of, it is best to refer to the body armor manufacturer’s materials you received with your vest.
While a majority of officers in the 2012 US Department of Justice funded study on the usage of body armor were aware of the recommended care and storage techniques for armor, large numbers of participating officers also reported that they did not maintain their armor according to manufacturer recommendations.
It is important to refer to the specific vest manufacturer’s storage instructions, but these will typically recommend that a vest be stored flat rather than hung on a hanger and in a cool location when not in use. Hanging a vest can stretch out the straps, leading to an incorrect fit, and folding a vest can cause the panels to bunch. Long-term exposure to extremely hot, cold or wet environments can degrade certain materials as well.
Proper Inspection Techniques
The cleaning process provides a great opportunity to inspect body armor for damage. While most departments require body armor to be worn, only nine percent conduct inspections to ensure proper maintenance, according to the same United States Department of Justice funded study. This means that the responsibility of proper inspection lies with the officer.
Signs of unusual or excessive wear include holes, tears and any visible “raw” ballistic material. Other indicators of damage include separations in stitching, discoloration and denting in the vest. If the equipment has any of these, it is imperative to contact the manufacturer so that it can be properly repaired.
Do not attempt to repair the vest alone as it may cause more damage and will void the warranty. Always keep the paperwork provided when your vest is issued so that you can easily provide the serial number, proof of purchase and purchase date.
Body armor matters, but wearers must prioritize proper fit and care techniques to ensure its effectiveness. These prolong the life of the armor and ensure officers have the protection they need when they need it most.
Matt Craig is a Senior Engineer of Application Development & Technical Services for Dyneema and has 12 years of experience in developing military and law enforcement protective equipment.
NIJ Body Armor Poster
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has recently created a poster which provides critical information concerning the care of law enforcement body armor, including where to check for NIJ compliance certification and essential pointers for the proper upkeep of body armor.
The NIJ will be making full-size printed copies of this poster.
The NIJ – the research and development arm of the US Department of Justice – is accepting orders from law enforcement agencies for this body armor poster which highlights critical information for care. The poster and shipping are free for agencies. You also have the option to print the poster.
Officers will be reminded to visually inspect ballistic panel covers; notify an agency representative if the integrity of the panel cover is compromised; never attempt to repair armor panels; consider replacing any armor panel or label which shows damage or excessive wear; and check the armor label to make sure it bears the “NIJ Mark.”
This safety resource is brought to you by the NIJ which maintains voluntary minimum performance standards for body armor and certifies body armor through the NIJ Compliance Testing Program.
Search a database of compliant products.
