For those who work in law enforcement, you know that there’s no price you can put on your own personal safety. Bulletproof body armor for police is becoming more common as more departments around the nation decide to upgrade. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions involving ballistic body armor.
How Safe Is It?
It’s impossible to make guarantees, but it is a fact that body armor has saved many lives. In just New York City, 87 officers have been saved by their body armor since implementation in 1978. The armor is designed to lessen the impact of bullets and stop them from getting through to you. Unfortunately, guns are a big part of American culture in many ways, and that includes too many instances of bodily harm with a weapon. Ballistic body armor is a way to help stop that.
Do They Impede Movement?
It depends on the brand, and we recommend finding out more specific details before buying, but most abrasion resistant body armor is designed not to impede the movement of officers as much as possible. If you’re not able to do your job to the full extent of your abilities, what good does the armor do?
How Can My Department Get Ballistic Body Armor?
Contact your superior for more information, as the rules are different depending on where you are located. You’ll likely have to work with your state and work within your budget to find out how to get armor for your department.
Can I Buy Body Armor If I’m Not a Member of Law Enforcement?
Check with your local state laws, but in most states you can indeed buy body armor, as long as you meet some requirements. Commonly, this means you are over the age of 18 and have not been convicted of a felony. That being said, if you aren’t in law enforcement, you may want to consider whether you really need to buy body armor.
Have you or a loved one had experience using body armor as a member of law enforcement? What are your thoughts on the matter? Share them with us down in the comments below!