U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE BODY ARMOR SELECTION, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE

Firearms continue to be one of the most dangerous This observed increase in body armor wear by threats faced by law enforcement offcers in the the law enforcement community is important, as United States. safeguarding officers from harm is critical. Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s A better understanding of the selection, care, and Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted maintenance of body armor can ensure that officers Program show that from 1987 through 2015, know how to choose the right body armor for the more than 70,000 officers have been assaulted by job, how to determine whether body armor fits firearms and more than 1,700 have been feloniously properly, and how to inspect their body armor and killed by firearms. detect any issues that need attention. During the past three decades, however, ballistic- Body armor is a ballistic-resistant vest that is made up resistant body armor has saved the lives of more of a carrier and soft armor panels or hard armor plates. than 3,000 police officers. NIJ encourages law enforcement agencies to Body armor is critical safety equipment that law select body armor that their officers will wear and enforcement and corrections offcers need for that is consistent with their ballistic protection personal protection. requirements. Recent research funded by the National Institute of Agencies should ensure that each officer knows and Justice (NIJ) indicates that law enforcement agencies understands the protection that the armor affords, as with 100 or more officers have increased their use well as its limitations. of mandatory body armor wear policies, from 58 percent of agencies in 2007 to 78 percent in 2013.

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NIJ certifes models of armor panels and armor plates Officers or agencies may have preferences regarding that meet the requirements of the NIJ Compliance design features offered with body armor, including Testing Program. but not limited to: Models that meet NIJ ballistic-resistance performance • Weight — Heavy body armor could increase the requirements can be found on the Compliant amount of fatigue an officer experiences during Products List (CPL) at www.policearmor.org his or her shift. (under “Compliant Products—CPL”). • Thickness — Thickness and material type are The model designation is the name or alphanumeric closely tied to the weight of body armor. Thicker code that is used to uniquely identify a particular armors may trap more heat against the body and model on the CPL. may be stiffer. NIJ urges agencies to select armor models listed on • Covert carrier versus overt carrier — the CPL, as these products have been tested to NIJ Some agencies prefer body armor to be worn Standard 0101.06, the current ballistic-resistant under the duty uniform, whereas others prefer it body armor standard, by accredited third-party to be worn over their duty uniform. The choice is laboratories designated by NIJ. a matter of agency policy. The products undergo follow-up inspection testing • Fastener type — Either zipper or hook-and- as well. loop closures may be preferred. There is no difference in ballistic performance; however, Ballistic-resistant vests may be marketed and sold operating environment, personal preference, ease under various recognizable trade names or product of fastening, and noise may all be considerations. names that contain different panels or plates in a The fastener should provide for adequate overlap variety of carriers. to prevent loss of coverage. A carrier may accept a variety of armor panels or • Other features — Pockets, cargo loops, plates that have NIJ model designations on the CPL; and other features may assist an officer in the however, the label on the armor panel should state execution of his or her duties. the NIJ model designation so a user can refer to the CPL. It is important to ensure that offcers have body armor Agencies are urged to research vests prior to making that fts properly. a purchasing decision to confirm which listed armor Working with ASTM International, NIJ led the panels or armor plates are in the vest, and to learn development of ASTM E3003-15, Standard Practice for

about the features of the carriers. Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor, at www.astm.org/NIJ/BodyArmorFit. NIJ urges proper attention to those factors that affect the wearability of armor in order to encourage routine, The standard contains information on proper full-time use by all on-duty offcers. measurement and fit, as well as a worksheet that an officer can use to perform an assessment of his or her Features of the carrier vary among manufacturers, body armor fit. and preferences vary among individual officers. This standard increases consistency in how Agencies are encouraged to compare products to measurements are taken by providing guidance ensure the ballistic-resistant vest contains armor to help officers and agencies properly fit ballistic- models listed on the CPL and that the carrier meets resistant body armor and stab-resistant body armor the needs of the law enforcement officers who wear covering the torso. this equipment.

2 Body Armor Selection, Care, and Maintenance National Institute of Justice | NIJ.ojp.gov

Differences in the services that suppliers offer to Law enforcement officers have demanding jobs, support a particular model should also be considered. and some wear and tear on a ballistic-resistant vest is expected. These may include fitting and measurement, training, adjustments, repairs, and warranties. Frequent inspections and proper care of body armor Warranties for ballistic performance and help maintain the integrity of the ballistic panels workmanship are required of ballistic-resistant body and the carrier. armor models listed on the CPL. Every model of body armor that complies with Armor panels and carriers may have different NIJ Standard 0101.06 is required to have supplier- warranty periods and different warranty conditions. recommended care instructions on the label. Agencies are encouraged to research the impact that It is important to follow the supplier-recommended warranties may have on body armor maintenance care instructions, making certain that anyone and replacement cycles. else who cares for the armor is also aware of these instructions. Agencies that plan to purchase NIJ-compliant armor should not accept statements, written in the bid Visually inspect ballistic panel covers frequently. or stated verbally by a salesperson, that the model Check for cuts, tears, stitching separation, sealing shown is “just like” or “identical to” a model from the problems, and excessive wear — all of which could NIJ CPL or “meets the NIJ standard.” expose the ballistic-resistant materials to moisture Only armor that is listed on the CPL is NIJ- and other potentially degrading factors. compliant. Carriers that rub the panel covers as a result of Armor that is not listed on the CPL does not qualify normal flexing can wear through the cover and

for Bureau of Justice Assistance funding through expose the armor to moisture penetration. either the Bulletproof Vest Program or Justice Note that the covers of the armor panels should not be Assistance Grant Program. opened for any reason. Agencies should look for the “NIJ mark” on the labels of their armor panels, a visual identifier that only If the integrity of the panel cover is compromised in NIJ-compliant armor listed on the CPL bears, as any way, notify someone right away. shown below. For example, report these findings to an agency representative who should contact the armor MENT RT OF supplier for guidance on how to proceed. PA JU E S D T . I Never attempt to repair armor panels under any S C . E U circumstances. Agencies should consider replacing, or returning O F LISTED S to the manufacturer for repair, any armor panel or F M I C MODEL A label that shows damage or excessive wear as soon E R O G as possible. F R O J U STIC E P

For more information on the selection, care, and maintenance of body armor, please visit www.policearmor.org or read NIJ’s Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor at www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf.

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