Your ballistic vest may be the most important piece of gear you put on each day. After all, you never know when you could be looking down the barrel of a gun. Even the “routine” traffic stop can result in an armed confrontation. That’s why you always need ballistic protection with you that's concealable and comfortable.
Need more convincing? Then consider these statistics. Since 1973, ballistic vests have saved the lives of over 2,500 law enforcement and corrections personnel.1 Also, in 1994, the FBI published a study that concluded law enforcement officers who don’t wear ballistic vests are 14 times more likely to sustain a fatal injury from a firearm than those who do.2
The need for ballistic protection isn’t limited to law, security and corrections personnel either. If you're a first responder, an EMT, a paramedic or a member of the fire rescue team, you should consider wearing a ballistic vest too. Several surveys and studies have shown a surprising number of EMS personnel have been assaulted including being shot while doing their jobs. As a result, many emergency medical personnel believe ballistic vests should be a part of their everyday uniform.
So, how do you choose the right ballistic vest? With so many types, it can be hard to decide. Many look alike and provide the same or similar protection. That’s where this course can help.
The first two lessons give you a perspective on the type of protection we’re talking about. You’ll read a brief history about how far body armor has come, followed by a peek into the “mystery” of how a ballistic vests works. A greater understanding of the science behind your vest may bolster your confidence in using it. And with technology and designs constantly improving, it’s becoming more and more comfortable to wear this life-saving garment.
The following lessons provide the practical side of choosing
and using your ballistic vests. You’ll see how to choose
the right protection and get a vest that’s comfortable
enough for you to wear every day. Finally, we offer some
guidelines about the care and need for replacing your ballistic
vest.
1 International Association of Chief’s of Police/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club®
2 FBI Uniform Crime Reports: Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 1994
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