25 Questions and Answers About Personal Body Armor

The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), located in Rockville, Maryland, administers the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) voluntary compliance testing programs for personal body armor. In addition to processing samples received for testing, NLECTC staff routinely responds to inquiries received from law enforcement, corrections, other criminal justice agencies, and product manufacturers about the testing program. The twenty-five most frequently asked questions regarding the body armor testing programs and their corresponding answers follows and are provided as part of NLECTC’s ongoing commitment to providing timely and accurate information to the user community. If you have a question that is not found in this document, please contact NLECTC at 800-248-2742, by fax 301-519-5149, or by e-mail asknlectc@nlectc.org.

1. We’'re going to purchase body armor in the near future. Do you have any advice or suggestions?

   NIJ Guide 100-98, Selection and Application Guide to Police Body Armor, contains important information to assist agencies and individual officers in selecting, purchasing, and caring for body armor. Recently, NIJ has just introduced two new body armor standards (one for ballistics and one for stab and puncture resistance), and NLECTC is preparing an updated edition of the Selection & Application Guide. This new edition will probably be available in early 2001. To obtain a copy of the most current version, call NLECTC at 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5060, or download a copy from http://www.nlectc.org.

   Also, funds are available through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act (BVPGA), administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to assist law enforcement and corrections agencies with the purchase of ballistic and stab-resistant armor. The BVPGA will provide funds to pay for up to half of the purchase price of models of armor found to comply with NIJ Standards. For more information on how to apply for these funds, visit the BVPGA web site at http://vests.ojp.gov.

2. How does ballistic-resistant body armor work?

   When a bullet strikes a body armor panel, the fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact across a generalized area. Most concealable body armor is made of a number of layers; these layers assist in the energy dispersion process and help to reduce the effects of blunt trauma, caused by the force of the impacting projectile.

3. How does stab and puncture resistant body armor work?

   Stab and puncture resistant armors are made from a variety of materials. The most commonly used materials are made from extremely strong fibers, which can be either woven or laminated together. Other materials used are metals and composites. As the threat impacts the armor, the materials either deflect the threat, or due to their very high level of cut and/or tear resistance, they “stretch” and the impact forces are dissipated over a larger area of the armor.

4. Is ballistic-resistant armor also stab/puncture resistant (or vice versa)?

   The materials technology that makes body armor ballistically resistant does not necessarily make it stab or puncture resistant (and vice versa). The IACP/DuPont KEVLAR Survivors Club^® has documented a number of incidents over the years where ballistic resistant armor has provided some protection against attacks from a variety of sharp edged and other weapons (i.e., clubs, etc.). However, one should not presume that a ballistic resistant vest will protect against non-ballistic threats, or that a stab resistant vest provides ballistic protection. Armor that complies with NIJ Standards will clearly identify the types and level of threats that they are designed to protect against.

5. What types of ballistic resistant materials are used to make body armor?

   Body armor can be made from a number of different types of woven or non-woven materials. One of the first fibers used for modern ballistic resistant material was Kevlar^®, which is made by DuPont. Other materials include Spectra^®, which is made by Honeywell (formerly AlliedSignal); Twaron^®, made by Accordis (formerly Akzo Nobel), and Zylon^®, made by Toyobo. These materials are manufactured in a variety of styles, and can be woven or non-woven (laminated). Hard (non-fabric) armor plates can be made from a number of materials, to include metals, ceramics, and other composite materials.

6. Which ballistic or stab-resistant material is better?

   The NIJ Standards for Personal Body Armor (Ballistic and Stab/Puncture Resistant) establish minimum performance requirements to evaluate specific designs, or “models” of armor. The standard is not intended to be a design specification, which would require manufacturers to use a specific type of material and/or design pattern to achieve a required level of protection. Instead, by measuring only the performance capabilities of the model, this allows armor manufacturers the ability to innovate by using any type or combination of types of materials, as well as design methods, to achieve the required level of protection.

7. What new technologies have been developed for body armor?

   Over the last 20 years, new materials and fabrics have been introduced which have contributed significantly to the wearability of body armor. Body armor manufacturers have also made a number of advances in design technology resulting in body armor with increased ballistic protection capabilities, as well as more flexibility, less weight, and ultimately more comfortable. New materials have also been developed which provide protection against sharp edged and pointed weapons.

8. Is there a difference between male and female models of armor?

   Generally speaking, the difference between male and female models is that for the female body armor, most manufacturers cut and stitch the material to create bust cups.

   This is why the NIJ Standard views male and female vests as separate models, even though they may be made of exactly the same type and sequence of layers of ballistic materials. When a female model is tested, the laboratory is instructed to locate the seam that is created by folding and/or stitching the material to make the bust cup, and to place one of the shots on that seam. This is done to ensure the weakest point of the vest (typically a seam) provides the minimum level of ballistic protection required by the standard.

   It is important to note that this is a generalization. There are many different types and styles of female vests, and ways of fitting vests to accommodate all of the various sizes and shapes needed for female officers. Some manufacturers have developed methods which “mold” the bust cups into the material, negating the need for cutting and stitching to create a bust cup. Other manufacturers simply alter the outside dimensions of the panel (i.e., enlarging the arm hole openings) to accommodate certain types of builds and body types (commonly referred to as a “unisex” vest).

   In summary, when selecting a female vest, NIJ and NLECTC recommends that an agency look at and have their officers try on a variety of models from different manufacturers, which have been tested and found to comply with the NIJ Standard for Personal Body Armor. This will assist in selecting the model that provides the best combination of comfort, fit, protection capability, as well as accessories and features. Be sure to ask the manufacturer’'s representative about ongoing customer support, and what steps they will take to properly measure and fit the vests, as well as making adjustments once the armor have been delivered. Ask the representative for references from other agencies that have purchased their armor, and contact other agencies in your area who have recently purchased armor to learn about their experiences.

9. What type and threat level of armor should I wear?

   First, assess the type of threat you face on a daily basis. Review data from shooting incidents in your area, as well as the types of weapons (firearms, knives, etc.) being confiscated from suspects. Also factor in what type of sidearm and duty ammunition you are carrying; FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data indicates that approximately 1 in 6 officers that are killed in the line of duty are shot with their own weapon. Other considerations are: the climate in which you work, typical duty assignment, and personal preference considerations (comfort and fit). Again, the decision is ultimately yours. The same concepts apply for correctional officers seeking stab or puncture resistant armor.

10. What are trauma plates?

    Trauma Plates are devices which can be added to the vest over a localized area (most commonly the mass center of the torso) to increase the wearer’'s protection against blunt trauma injuries. Blunt Trauma injuries are caused by the impact forces of the bullet against the armor, resulting in non-penetrating internal injuries, such as bruises, broken ribs, or other injuries to internal organs. Trauma plates can be made of a hard substance, such as metal wrapped in rubber or ballistic fabric, or they can be made of additional layers of ballistic fabric, similar to an armor panel. Some manufacturers even build trauma plates into the armor panel itself.

11. Which manufacturer makes the best body armor?

    The NIJ Standards for Personal Body Armor (Ballistic and Stab/Puncture Resistant) and the voluntary compliance testing programs operated by NLECTC exist to ensure that models of armor offered for sale to law enforcement and corrections personnel are safe, reliable, and meet minimum performance requirements. Neither NIJ nor NLECTC “endorse” any particular manufacturer or model of armor, but provide a complete listing of all models that have been tested and found to comply with the NIJ Standard. You can access this list, which is updated continuously, through our Internet site at http://www.nlectc.org. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can also call NLECTC at 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5060 to get the most current information on models that comply with the standard.

12. What is the best way to care for body armor?

    Follow the manufacturer’'s care instructions provided with your armor or refer to the instructions on the armor labels. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the ballistic performance capabilities of the armor. The Selection and Application Guide to Personal Body Armor contains general guidelines on how to properly care for armor. This document can be obtained by calling NLECTC at 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5060, or can be downloaded from http://www.nlectc.org.

13. How long does body armor last?

    There are a number of factors that can influence the service life cycle of body armor. NIJ has sponsored research that indicates that age is not the only factor in determining the service life of armor. Other factors to consider include: how regularly the armor was worn; how it was cared for; does the armor fit the wearer properly (most people lose or gain weight over a period of years); and the overall condition of the armor (do the fasteners still work properly, and so on). We encourage departments to have a routine inspection program for body armor, just as they would for weapons, vehicles, and other types of issued equipment. The Selection and Application Guide to Personal Body Armor contains a sample form which can be used as a checklist when inspecting armor.

14. How do I dispose of my old vest?

    Check with your department to see if they have a policy regarding the disposal of used body armor. If they do not, there are several organizations that accept donations of used vests for distribution to law enforcement agencies here in the U.S. Check with your local Fraternal Order of Police. If you are not comfortable donating your armor to another agency, you may also contact the manufacturer of your vest to determine if they will dispose of your armor. Some agencies have also used retired armor in the door panels of police cars or special operations vehicles.

15. I understand that NIJ has published a new standard for ballistic resistant armor. What are the major differences between the new version and NIJ Standard-0101.03?

    In September 2000, NIJ released NIJ Standard-0101.04, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor. This revision, the first of this standard in 13 years, was the result of a three-year effort that included input from the law enforcement, body armor manufacturing, and fiber manufacturing communities. The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) coordinated the development of this new revision, performing most of the research, with support from various components of the NLECTC Centers System.

    Technical highlights of the new standard (0101.04) include:

    • Updated test rounds for certain NIJ armor types, replacing outdated or obsolete ammunition:

      - For Type I armor, the .38 Special has been replaced by the .380 ACP.

      - For Type IIA, the .357 Magnum has been replaced by the .40 S&W.

      - For Type IIIA, the .44 Magnum remains, but the test bullet has been changed to a Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) from the Lead Semi-Wadcutter Gas Check (LSWGC), which is no longer manufactured.

      All other test rounds remain unchanged from NIJ Standard-0101.03.

    • A second backface signature (BFS) measurement on each panel;
    • A single environmental test condition (wet);
    • Restoration of the armor’s original physical condition between impacts (commonly referred to as “pat-down”);
    • A Baseline Ballistic Limit test to establish benchmark penetration performance of the armor, which is useful for enhanced understanding of its protection, and to provide a consistent baseline for any future retesting that might be required.
16. Do models that comply with NIJ Standard-0101.03 automatically comply with NIJ Standard-0101.04?

    No. NIJ still continues to recognize the compliance status of models found to comply with NIJ Standard-0101.03 to that edition of the standard. If a manufacturer desires to submit a model of 0101.03-compliant armor to NLECTC for testing to 0101.04, they can, and if it is found to comply with 0101.04, then it will be recognized as complying with both editions of the standard.

17. OK, but what happens if that 0101.03-compliant model fails to comply with the requirements of 0101.04?

    Models that comply with NIJ Standard-0101.03 cannot “lose” their compliance status to that edition of the standard if they do not comply with the requirements of 0101.04. The model will still be recognized as compliant with 0101.03, but cannot be considered for further testing to 0101.04.

18. Can manufacturers still submit new models of armor for testing to NIJ Standard-0101.03?

    No. As of October 2, 2000, all models of armor submitted to NLECTC for compliance testing will be tested in accordance with NIJ Standard-0101.04.

19. Is armor that complies with NIJ Standard-0101.04 “better” than armor that complies with NIJ Standard-0101.03?

    NO. It has only been tested to a different version of the standard. The development of NIJ Standard-0101.04 incorporates the knowledge and experience that has been gained in the past thirteen years of armor testing, takes into account the advances in materials and design technology that have occurred in the industry, and updates the threats which the armor is tested against. It is simply the next evolutionary step in the development of NIJ’s voluntary compliance testing program for ballistic resistant armor, ensuring that law enforcement and corrections officers have access to armor which is safe, reliable, and meets currently defined protection needs.

20. With the release of NIJ Standard-0101.04, does this mean that we have to replace all the armor we have that complies with NIJ Standard-0101.03, including those we just purchased?

    NO. The advent and exclusive use of NIJ Standard-0101.04 in the Voluntary Compliance Testing Program does not imply that existing NIJ Standard-0101.03 compliant armor is in any way unsuitable for continued purchase and everyday use. In fact, such armor will still provide the same proven high degree of protection and performance that NIJ Standard-0101.03 demanded and produced. NIJ Standard-0101.03 compliant armor should not be considered inadequate or obsolete; it is simply armor that has not been tested and found compliant to NIJ Standard-0101.04’s different requirements.

21. If a manufacturer offers to sell us a model that complies with NIJ Standard-0101.03, should we purchase it?

    If you determine that this model meets all of your protection and user defined requirements, then there is no reason not to purchase it. NIJ Standard-0101.03 compliant armor should not be considered inadequate or obsolete; it is simply armor that has not been tested and found compliant to NIJ Standard-0101.04’s different requirements.

22. I’m a Correctional Officer, and I’m more interested in a vest that provides stab/puncture protection instead of ballistic protection. What assistance can you provide?

    For almost 30 years, NIJ has been a leader in the development and testing of ballistic-resistant armor. In September 2000, NIJ released NIJ Standard-0115.00, Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor. This standard is the result of a three-year collaborative effort between the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, the U.S. Secret Service and the Police Scientific Development Branch of the United Kingdom, and establishes the first national minimum performance requirements for stab and puncture resistant armor. NIJ Standard-0115.00 classifies armor into two protection classes, spike (puncture-resistant) and edged blade. For each protection class, there are three protection levels against which the armor can be tested. A voluntary compliance testing program has been established by NLECTC in accordance with this new standard, and models found to comply are listed in the Body Armor Database.

    It is also important to note that armor models found to comply with NIJ Standard-0115.00 are also eligible for funding under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act (BVPGA). For more details, visit the BVPGA web site at http://vests.ojp.gov.

23. Who tests the armor to determine if it complies with NIJ Standards?

    Only NIJ-approved independent testing laboratories are recognized as official testing facilities for compliance testing to NIJ Standards. A complete list of NIJ approved laboratories can be found on JUSTNET at http://www.nlectc.org, or call NLECTC at 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5149.

24. How is armor submitted for testing?

    The manufacturer submitting an armor model for testing must first negotiate a testing contract with an NIJ-approved testing laboratory. Neither NIJ nor NLECTC accepts any payment for testing services. The manufacturer then submits samples to NLECTC, where they are examined for workmanship and labeling requirements, which are defined in the NIJ Standards. If the samples successfully complete this examination, they are sent to the approved laboratory that the manufacturer has negotiated the testing contract with. The laboratory performs the test in accordance with the standard, and prepares a report of the test. The samples and the report are returned to NLECTC, where they are again examined and compared to the laboratory report. If the armor complies with the standard, a letter is issued to the manufacturer for that model and the model is listed on the Personal Body Armor Consumer Product List (CPL), which can be accessed through the Body Armor Database.

25. How does a laboratory obtain NIJ approval to conduct body armor testing?

    To become an NIJ-approved laboratory, the laboratory must submit an application (available from NLECTC) which will be reviewed by NIJ to determine if the laboratory is technically capable of performing the testing. NLECTC will then conduct an on-site inspection that includes witnessing the testing of actual samples, and the laboratory prepares a report of the test and returns the tested samples and report to NLECTC, where they are checked for accuracy. If the laboratory successfully completes all of these requirements, NIJ will issue a letter to the laboratory notifying them that they are an NIJ-approved laboratory, and are authorized to conduct testing in accordance with NIJ Standards. Manufacturers and other interested parties will also be notified of the laboratory’'s status. NIJ accepts applications from interested laboratories on a continuing basis. Laboratories seeking NIJ-approved status should contact NLECTC at 800-248-2742 or 301-519-5060. It is also important to note that laboratories are approved to perform testing in accordance with a specific NIJ Standard. A test laboratory must complete a separate application and go through the complete approval process for each NIJ Standard they wish to perform testing for.