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Posts Tagged ‘NIJ’

Factors that Affect Law Enforcement Officers’ Use of Body Armor

Sunday, July 21st, 2013

The National Institute of Justice has launched a page on the website entitled, “Factors that Affect Officers’ Use of Body Armor.” It is meant to aggregate any studies that they have conducted relative to the use of body armor by law enforcement officers.

Currently, there are two topics with supporting documentation: Agency Policies Promote Use of Body Armor and Comfort of Body Armor. One interesting role NIJ has taken in the improvement of body armor comfort is in the realm of fit. They have worked with the American Society of Testing and Materials to develop standards for fitting armor so that industry and consumers alike will work from a common point of view for sizing.

This is a great resource.

www.nij.gov/nij/topics/technology/body-armor/use

Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Ballistic Resistance and Stab Resistance Standards

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

The National Institute of Justice maintains a website listing the armor (by make and model) that meets NIJ Ballistic Resistance Standard, 0101.06 and Stab Resistance Standard, 0115.00. It’s a great resource for those that need it. Chances are good, if you’re reading this, you need it.

nij.gov/nij/topics/technology/body-armor/compliant-ballistic-armor

nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/compliant-stab-armor

NIJ Releases New Body Armor Standard

Friday, July 25th, 2008

http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/223054.pdf

One important statement was placed in the Forward.

“Publication of this revision of the standard does not invalidate or render unsuitable any body armor models previously determined by NIJ to be compliant to either the NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements or the NIJ Standard–0101.04 Rev. A Requirements. While it may not necessary to remove these existing armors from service, agencies are advised to always require their procurements to meet or exceed the most recent and up-to-date version of this standard.”

One reader’s initial perusal identified the following changes:

1. Removal of Type I standard
2. New as well as conditioned armor shall be tested
3. Type IIA projectile velocities higher
4. Ranges for all velocities (acceptable velocity error levels), new velocities for most levels is “(old value+error) +/- error” …so the mins are the same as the old values
5. New level added – Type IIIA for high powered handguns (.357 SIG and .44 mag)
6. Added diagram for helping determine penetration depth – just a format change to the document
7. Requirements added for testing systems with and w/o plates “in conjunction armor” when the inserts are removable
8. Changed the terms used for designating penetration
9. Multiple sizes of armor vests shall be tested
10. Conditioning requires tumbling vest and humidity/water exposure