NCJ Number
188729
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 76-80
Date Published
April 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not to armor police patrol vehicles.
Abstract
Representatives of the police car programs of General Motors and Ford provide advice for any department considering armor for its patrol cars. Factors to be considered were the level of protection desired, which should be based on threat assessment. Only the amount of armor needed to counter the threat should be added. Since armor is an add-on to the vehicle, it is going to add weight and could possibly interfere with the operation of some vehicle components. Both representatives cited vehicle warranty considerations. Armor must not lead to an exceeding of the gross vehicle weight. This will put additional stress on the drive train, suspension, and brakes, and any failure will not be covered by the warranty because of the excessive weight added to the vehicle. Further, the added weight will affect vehicle acceleration, braking, and possibly handling. The impact of the armor under varying weather conditions must also be considered. Vehicle armor manufacturers recommend level IIIA protection for a patrol vehicle. This covers .44 magnum lead, semi-wadcutter, gas checked, and 9mm full-metal-jacket rounds. This article describes the various features of the armor that provides such protection. The author advises that armor may be needed in some patrol areas, but it is not a piece of equipment that every department needs.