Body Armor 101 for Women Law Enforcement Officers MAAWLE Debra Stoe, National Institute of Justice Cassy Robinson, National Institute of Standards and Technology April 27, 2016

Agenda NIJ overview Baseline knowledge check New emphasis on body armor for women Understanding body armor Concerns with construction and testing of female body armor Resources Assessing Fit, Function, Coverage and Protection

What is the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)?

NIJ Research, Development, and Evaluation arm of the Department of Justice Dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. NIJ provides objective and independent knowledge and tools to reduce crime and promote justice, particularly at the state and local levels.

Baseline knowledge check Source: www.adp-telecom.com/page/2 Go to audience participation questions Do participants have any questions or concerns they’d like to have addressed today?

New emphasis on body armor for women officers The last two decades has seen an increase in female officers Sufficient enough to draw a response from body armor manufacturers.. Body armor designed to be worn by women is constructed differently (sometimes*) than body armor designed for wear by men Consequently, there is a need to conduct research to determine these differences involve and if these differences provide the same level of protection, form, fit, and functionality as body armor made for males. The objective of NIJ’s research will be to address the needs and requirements of female officers who wear body armor, such that the equipment meets their form, fit, functionality, and protection requirements. Unless it is gender neutral

Understanding Body Armor and it’s Limitations Designed to Defeat

Understanding Body Armor and it’s Limitations

Major Concerns Notches Folds Stitching Ricochet Air gaps Design characteristics unique to Female Body Armor Notches Folds Stitching Differences that need to be addressed Ricochet Air gaps Cleavage Across chest Back face Deformation in Breast area (Next slide) Long term injury How to measure Added Stitching to Form the Bust Cup Bust Cups

Backface Deformation

Current Ballistic Test Method for Female Body Armor

Female Body Armor, Level IIIA, 44 Mag Round Backface Deformations (BFDs) Current NIJ Body Armor Requirement: Max of .44mm BFD

Defining & Standardizing a Shape

Defining & Standardizing a Shape

Test Method Evaluation: Mounting

Test Method Evaluation Repeatable, Consistent, Accurate

Test Method Evaluation C5 – Level II Threat 2 .357 magnum C1 – Level II Threat 2 .357 magnum

www.PoliceArmor.org  

Always check the CPL http://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/standards-testing https://www.justnet.org/other/ballistic_cpl.html http://ojp.gov/bvpbasi/home.html

Resources NIJ: Information on NIJ standards and testing efforts http://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/standar ds-testing/Pages/welcome.aspx NIJ-ASTM Portal for free standards and guides for vetted LE and Corrections Agencies http://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/standar ds-testing/Pages/access-astm-standards.aspx

No such thing as Bullet Proof! The Expectation of Wearers of Body Armor No such thing as Bullet Proof!

Physical Scientist, National Institute of Justice Questions for Me?.…. Contact Information Debra.stoe@usdoj.gov Physical Scientist, National Institute of Justice Wk: 202.616.7036 Website: www.nij.gov