The Dangers Facing State Troopers and the Protection Available For Them
While any work undertaken as a part of Law Enforcement is undoubtedly very difficult, State Troopers have very unique and challenging responsibilities. Every member of Law Enforcement naturally understands the benefits and importance of body armor, and all will have their own requirements that need to be met. As a unique branch of Law Enforcement, State Troopers need protection that can reflect this and keep them safe against the threats they will be facing.
A large proportion of a State Trooper’s mandate concerns the enforcement of highway laws and vehicular violations. This means that, perhaps more than any other branch of law enforcement, flexible and adaptable protection is needed. Body armor is lighter and more flexible than ever, and can be worn comfortably for extended periods. Many do not realize that bullet proof vests are designed to be worn above the naval, protecting the vital organs. This means that even when sat down body armor can be worn comfortably, which is vital for State Troopers. Body armor uses protective materials with an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, designed to absorb impact and disperse energy. This means that even in a traffic accident a bullet proof vest can save a life. DuPont, the makers of Kevlar, regularly honor Law Enforcement Officers whose lives have been saved by body armor. A large proportion of these Officers’ lives were saved in traffic collisions, and so body armor is a very useful and necessary piece of equipment for State Troopers.
Of course, it is not only traffic accidents that threaten the lives of these brave men and women; violence and attacks against the Police are sadly all too common, and it is important that State Troopers can protect themselves. A bullet proof vest naturally offers this protection, and yet far too few understand exactly how it can protect you. Kevlar makes body armor protective by ‘trapping’ and flattening bullets, dispersing the energy across the protective fibers. However, materials like Kevlar will only protect against bullets, and only certain bullets depending on the level of protection offered.
A bullet proof vest is necessary protection for Law Enforcement Officers, as firearms- particularly handguns– are not only easily accessible, but very deadly. However, it is possible that- particularly in close quarters situations- edged weapons like knives and broken bottles are more likely weapons. These can be just as deadly, and a bullet proof vest will not protect against them. This is because these weapons will simply cut through the protective fibers, and will therefore need stronger materials to help keep the wearer safe. Stab and spike proof vests are readily available, and are just as light and thin as bullet proof vest, albeit with additional materials to offer increased protection.
Even bullet proof vests may not protect against all ammunition. Body armor is tested and graded according to its strength in line with standards set by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is recognized as the world leader in ballistics testing. Bullet resistant vests at Levels I-IIIA can stop the vast majority of handgun ammunition, but will not protect against higher caliber ammunition used in rifles and automatics. For these weapons, a vest at Level III or IV is needed.
The level of protection a State Trooper will need is largely a matter of personal choice; however, it is recommended that Officers have a vest that is at least capable of protecting against the ammunition used in their own weapon. The FBI reports that 33 Officers were killed with their own weapon over the last decade, and so it is important that State Troopers are protected against their own ammunition. Just as important is choosing the right style of vest.
Bullet proof vests are available in different styles depending on how they are designed to be worn. A covert vest, for example, can be worn underneath clothing comfortably, and still offers complete protection. On the other hand, an overt vest is worn over and as part of a uniform. Both are lightweight and flexible, yet come with their advantages and disadvantages, meaning State Troopers will need to decide for themselves which style is most appropriate for the situations they will find themselves in. For example, an overt vest can be outfitted with pockets for equipment, as well as quick release systems and even high-visibility covers. This means that body armor can become part of a uniform, and will help cement an Officer’s authority. However, in certain situations discretion may be better, in which case a covert vest will be needed.
Body armor incorporates a wide range of products including bullet proof vests, stab proof vests, and even ballistic helmets. However, even bullet proof vests are available in different styles and levels of protection, and without understanding the myriad options it can be hard to choose the appropriate protection. Ensuring that your bullet proof vest can protect against the most likely threats, is worn in the appropriate style and keeps you comfortable and secure is vital. However, a bullet proof vest can only keep you safe if it is worn; far too often Officers do not wear their armor, and this can lead to disaster. Keep yourself properly protected and ensure you wear your vest.