Surviving a Shooting: Your Guide to Personal Body Armor [A series of film clips showing police officers at work with voices from police radios in the background. Officers arrest suspects, raid a house, talk on the radio, and engage in a car chase.] [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] If there is any situation that you dread more than drawing your weapon, it is having one drawn on you. Unfortunately, there are more handguns on the streets today than ever before, and more criminals are willing to use them. Even a routine traffic stop or domestic disturbance can result in armed confrontation. Your best protection, besides your training and experience, is your body armor. [Text: Surviving a Shooting. Your Guide to Personal Body Armor.] [Male narrator speaking onscreen; an officer in the background puts on a bulletproof vest.] The purpose of this program is to give you the facts on personal body armor. What it is, what it can and can't protect against, how to select it, and how to wear and care for it properly. In addition, you'll learn how the National Institute of Justice tests and validates body armor performance. The NIJ works to ensure that your body armor provides you with the best possible protection. [Chart showing the number of officers killed by handguns and lives saved using body armor since 1975.] Voiceover, narrator: The statistics are clear. Since 1975, over 1800 law enforcement officers in the United States have been killed by handguns in the line of duty. The good news is that in that same time period, over 2400 officers have been saved while wearing body armor. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] An FBI study, found that the chance of sustaining a fatal injury for officers who do not routinely wear body armor is 14 times greater than for officers who do. It is the single most effective piece of protective equipment you will use. Body armor is designed to protect the wearer against specified threat levels. [Computer graphic of bullet striking armor.] Voiceover, narrator: When a bullet strikes the armor, it is caught in a web of very strong fibers which absorb and disperse the energy of the impact, spreading it over a wide area. The energy is transferred to the vest from the bullet, causing it to deform and mushroom. Each successive layer of material in the vest continues to absorb energy until the bullet is stopped. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] Because the impact is dispersed over a wide area, the forces that cause nonpenetrating or blunt trauma injuries are also reduced. Because of this, body armor has proven to be a lifesaver in vehicle accidents as well as shooting incidents. [Manufacturing facility for body armor. Workers assembling armor.] Voiceover, narrator: Personal body armor is produced by over 90 manufacturers worldwide. It's constructed using one or more of several special manmade fibers, layered to create ballistic fabric panels. These panels are assembled in various ways by different manufacturers, based on design concepts for maximum protection with minimum weight. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] To help you choose the best armor for your agency's and personal needs, standards were developed for the National Institute of Justice, NIJ, by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies Office of Law Enforcement Standards, or OLES. [Map of United States.] [Text: National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers. Office of Law Enforcement Standards, Gaithersburg, MD; NLECTC-West Los Angeles, CA; NLECTC-Northeast, Rome, NY; NLECTC-Rocky Mountain, Denver, CO; NLECTC-Southeast, Charleston, SC; Border Research and Technology Center, San Diego, CA; National Center for Forensic Science, Orlando, FL; Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization, Wheeling, WV; NLECTC-National, Rockville, MD.] Voiceover, narrator: OLES is just one part of the NIJ's center system. The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers system consists of facilities located across the country that specialize in technology assistance. While each NLECTC facility has a different technology focus, they work together to form a seamless web of support, technology demonstrations, and information. [Charts showing OLES test variables.] Voiceover, narrator: OLES has developed performance standards which specify the level of threat that body armor must withstand in order to meet any of six classifications. Since its introduction in 1972, this voluntary standard has been regularly revised to take into account such issues as armor's resistance to blunt trauma, effectiveness when wet, protection from angle shots and multishot assaults, as well as advances in body armor technology. [Men in lab testing armor.] Voiceover, narrator: The latest 04 revision specifies tests using the various weapons and ammunition which are increasingly being seen on the streets today. Details of the standards and additional information to assist you in selecting body armor are contained in the NIJ's Selection and Application Guide to Police Body Armor. The testing program is administered by NLECTC and tests are performed by independent laboratories. A series of pre- and posttest checks and balances ensures the integrity of the lab results. Laboratory testing is performed by firing various ammunition into armor mounted over clay backing material of controlled consistency. A chronograph confirms the bullets velocity is within the range required by the standard. The standard specifies a maximum deformation to the clay backing of 44 millimeters to ensure protection from a nonpenetrating injury. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] Compliance with the NIJ standard is voluntary; however, since many police departments require that armor be tested to meet NIJ standards before they will purchase it, most manufacturers design their armor to comply with the standard and have each modeled testing for compliance. [Model testing for compliance.] Voiceover, narrator: Once a model of armor has been tested and approved, NLECTC issues a letter of compliance to the manufacturer. On average, over the past 5 years of testing, 44 percent have failed the test. [Screen shows text: National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) 1-800-248-2742.] Voiceover, narrator: The best way to be certain a vest has passed the NIJ test is by calling the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center at 1-800-248-2742. [Picture of compliance label from body armor.] [Film of manufacturing facility.] Voiceover, narrator: Body armor that does comply with the standard is labeled identifying the threat classification. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that all subsequent production units sold to law enforcement agencies and personnel are constructed identically to the samples submitted to NLECTC for testing. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] The National Institute of Justice does not endorse any individual brands or models of body armor. It only assures that they meet the NIJ standard. [Screen shows photo of NLECTC Web site. http://www.nlectc.org.] [Charts showing NIJ standards: NIJ standard 0101.04; Type I: 22 LR and 380 FMJ; Type IIA: 9mm FMJ RN and 40 S and W FMJ; Type II: 9mm FMJ RN and 357 JSP; Type IIIA: 9 mm FMJ RN and 44 Mag; Type III 7.62mm FMJ; Type IV: 30 M2 AP.] Voiceover, narrator: However, the NLECTC Web site contains a consumer product list to help you identify specific models of compliant armor. The NIJ body armor classifications range from Type I rated to protect from 22 caliber long rifle and 380 caliber full metal jacket ammunition up through type four, designed to stop a 30 caliber armor-piercing round. The NIJ standards not only assure agencies and officers that the product has been tested to meet a specific threat but also provide guidelines for proper selection. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] Law enforcement agencies need to consider likely threats that they will encounter in relation to climate and environmental conditions and resist the temptation to purchase more protection than they need. A vest that is heavy and uncomfortable is a vest that is likely to stay in the officer's locker. [Female officer putting on body armor.] Voiceover, narrator: In general, most officer and agency needs can be met by using Type IIA or Type II armor. These ratings provide protection against most common types of handgun ammunition. [Male officer putting on body armor.] Voiceover, narrator: Type IIIA provides the highest level of protection currently available from concealable body armor and is generally suitable for routine wear in most situations. However, you should carefully evaluate your particular situation in order to select the proper body armor for your use. [Picture of Type III and Type IV armor.] [Officers in action in a high threat level wearing Type III and Type IV armor.] Voiceover, narrator: Type III and Type IV armor normally include a hard or semirigid plate that fits into a large pocket in the front or back of the vest. This type of armor is clearly intended for specific tactical situations where the threat warrants the increased protection. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] In all cases, an officer needs to determine the level of protection based on the threat level he or she is likely to face as well as protection from his or her own sidearm. Armor selection is a tradeoff between ballistic protection and wearability. Generally speaking, the comfort level decreases as the protection level increases. Officers need to understand the protection that armor provides as well as its limitations. [Male officer putting on body armor.] Voiceover, narrator: When selecting armor for full-time routine use by an officer, comfort and fit are major factors. Manufacturers use several types of fabrics in the protective cover for the ballistic element to increase wearability and minimize heat discomfort. As with any garment, your best bet is to try various sizes on for fit or submit your measurements per the manufacturer's instructions. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] Proper care of body armor is important to maintaining its effectiveness. Every model of armor that complies with the NIJ standard is labeled with specific instructions for cleaning. [Picture of cleaning label with instructions.] [Male washing his ballistic panels following instructions.] [Male putting outer shell in washing machine.] [Male inspecting armor.] Voiceover, narrator: Officers should always follow the manufacturers cleaning instructions. In general, ballistic panels or inserts can be washed by hand with cold water using a sponge of soft cloth and mild home laundry detergent. They should then be rinsed thoroughly and dried flat. The ballistic panels are not to be machine washed or dried. Most manufacturers strongly recommend that the panels never be submerged in water. Bleach or starch, even when highly diluted, should never be used. Dry cleaning armor is not recommended. And finally, body armor fabric should never be dried outdoors, even in the shade, as the ballistic efficiency can be significantly degraded by exposure to sunlight for extended periods. The removable outer shell covering for the ballistic fabric has its own washing requirements. That material may be machine washable. During cleaning, it is important to carefully inspect the ballistic panel for signs of wear. Damaged or worn armor should be retired or returned to the manufacturer for replacement. [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] In addition to the points outlined in this program, more detailed information on the standards and other personal body armor issues is contained in the NIJ's Selection and Application Guide to Police Body Armor. [Male narrator holds up the NIJ Selection and Application Guide to Police Body Armor.] Your department or agency may also provide information and training specific to the use and care of the armor that it issues. [Text: NIJ recommends: Armor is designed to protect against specified threat levels. It is not designed to protect against rifle fire or sharp-edged weapons. Select armor with regard to the most likely level of threat. Properly care for armor to maintain effectiveness. Use the NIJ standards to choose the ideal armor for your needs.] Voiceover, narrator: To review, body armor is designed to protect the wearer from specified threat levels. Routine-wear body armor is not designed to protect against rifle fire or sharp-edged weapons. Armor selection needs to be made with regard to the most likely level of threat. A vest that is heavy and uncomfortable is a vest that is unlikely to be worn. Proper care of body armor is important to maintaining its effectiveness. To help you choose the best armor for your needs, the National Institute of Justice has developed and regularly revises performance standards. So look for the NIJ compliance label on your armor. [Body armor testing.] Voiceover, narrator: One important point to keep in mind is that body armor is not bullet proof. It is tested to stop particular ammunition depending on its rating but does not make an officer invincible. Your training and experience are your best defense during an armed confrontation. And finally, the best armor in the world won't make a bit of difference if you're not wearing it when you need it. [Pictures of friends and families.] [Pictures of officers who have survived shootings using body armor.] Voiceover, narrator: Consider those things that you value in your life-family, friends, activities, the things that are important to you. And remember the more than 2400 lives that have been spared as the result of the use of body armor. [Screen shows NIJ motto: Technology Saves Lives. Wear your armor!] Voiceover, narrator: As the National Law Enforcement Corrections Technology Center motto states, "Technology Saves Lives. Wear your armor." [Male narrator speaking onscreen.] On June 16th, 1998, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 was signed as law. The purpose of the Act is to save the lives of law enforcement officers by helping states and local governments equip their law enforcement officers with armor vests. The program is designed to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of NIJ-approved vests contained in a jurisdiction's application. [Screen capture of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Web site.] [Text: Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act http://vest.ojp.gov.] Voiceover, narrator: The Bulletproof Vest Partnership has developed a Web site to assist agencies to obtain these vests using an electronic application for funding and request for payment process. The entire process of obtaining Federal funds is completed through the Web site. Complete information is available at http://vests.ojp.gov. [Text, no voiceover: Produced for the National Institute of Justice by the Center for Educational Technologies. Special thanks to National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology Office of Law Enforcement Standards, Montgomery County, MD, Public Safety Training Academy, Baltimore Police Department, Montgomery County, MD, Police Department, Marshall County, WV, Sheriff's Department, IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivor's Club, the Body Armor Manufacturing Industry. [New screen, text, no voiceover: This video was prepared by the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization, supported by grant number 98-IJ-CX-K002, awarded by the Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the video are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.]