NCJ Number
125608
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1990) Pages: 37-45
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Information from surveys of police officers in three police agencies formed the basis of an analysis of the priorities in purchasing and using soft body armor, agency purchase procedures, and potential strategies to produce the greatest possible rate of use.
Abstract
The study was prompted by estimates that 80 percent of the vests sold to police are not worn daily and that police agencies' efforts to increase use have not had a lasting effect. The agencies surveyed were Troop D of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Greene County (Mo.) Sheriff's Department and Springfield, Mo., Police Department. Findings showed that the wear rate is higher than assumed and that officers prefer lighter, cooler, thinner, and more flexible vests without the loss of ballistic capabilities. Comfort is the main consideration. In addition, officer participation in the purchasing of armor is the most important factor in achieving a high wear rate. Further research on field officers' needs and priorities should be conducted before adopting proposed Federal legislation on the subject.