Ballistic Body Armor
Journal Article 6: Coppola, M. (February, 2013). Ballistic Body Armor: A Closer Look at the Follow-Up Inspection and Testing Program. NIJ Journal/Issue No. 271
Summary
The NIJ has been developing standards for body armor for over 40 years. Although it is not a requirement for manufacturers worldwide to conform to these NIJ standards, it is highly recommended to ensure sales and marketability to law enforcement agents who wear these items on a day to day basis. These manufacturers submit armor samples to be tested, so they can be approved to be placed on the Compliant Products List so they may be more readily purchased. When these manufactured body armor samples failed testing, the manufacturers were able to recall these items and repair any defects that were found. The NIJ periodically updates these standards to ensure the safety of the agents who depend on body armor for the safety of their lives.
Opinions
NIJ compliance testing of body armor is a great idea to help assure law enforcement agents are given as much protection as possible. It is also a good idea that these inspectors conduct random
inspections at these manufacturing facilities to make sure the everyday manufactured products are meeting the same standards as the samples that were submitted for approval. It is an interesting topic regarding body armor purchased by civilians. Currently in Maryland, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless they are convicted felons or convicted of drug trafficking. Gang members and terrorists such as James Holmes, the movie theater shooter in Aurora Colorado, wore body armor in the commission of crimes. This makes the jobs of police officers that much more difficult, and reduces their job safety. This is becoming such an extreme problem, some police departments are purposely burning and destroying their old vests to keep them out of the hands of criminals.
Articles and Link
Saletan, W. (2012, Aug, 14).
Summary
The NIJ has been developing standards for body armor for over 40 years. Although it is not a requirement for manufacturers worldwide to conform to these NIJ standards, it is highly recommended to ensure sales and marketability to law enforcement agents who wear these items on a day to day basis. These manufacturers submit armor samples to be tested, so they can be approved to be placed on the Compliant Products List so they may be more readily purchased. When these manufactured body armor samples failed testing, the manufacturers were able to recall these items and repair any defects that were found. The NIJ periodically updates these standards to ensure the safety of the agents who depend on body armor for the safety of their lives.
Opinions
NIJ compliance testing of body armor is a great idea to help assure law enforcement agents are given as much protection as possible. It is also a good idea that these inspectors conduct random
inspections at these manufacturing facilities to make sure the everyday manufactured products are meeting the same standards as the samples that were submitted for approval. It is an interesting topic regarding body armor purchased by civilians. Currently in Maryland, it is legal for civilians to purchase body armor unless they are convicted felons or convicted of drug trafficking. Gang members and terrorists such as James Holmes, the movie theater shooter in Aurora Colorado, wore body armor in the commission of crimes. This makes the jobs of police officers that much more difficult, and reduces their job safety. This is becoming such an extreme problem, some police departments are purposely burning and destroying their old vests to keep them out of the hands of criminals.
Articles and Link
Saletan, W. (2012, Aug, 14).