When a crisis or disturbance strikes a correctional institution, officers and CERT teams are sent in to maintain order. On the minds of the officers and administrators is whether they will emerge safely from the situation. Choosing the right body armor to protect staff is an important way to ensure their safety. But with new fabrics, technologies that are puncture resistant and many products to select from, it can be confusing and difficult to get the right one.
The National Institute of Justice has drafted a new guide for law enforcement and corrections agencies to help them choose the best protection for their needs. Read on to find out the points agency officials should consider.

Q: What level of protection is right for my staff?
A: A department or agency needs to analyze the threat level that officers will face, including the type of weapon that could be used against the officer. Since most corrections officers do not carry guns, they are unlikely to be the most common weapon. Specialized armor will be required for special weapons and tactics teams, but these armors will only be issued and used as needed. Armor that provides protection against high-level threats is generally heavy and bulky and therefore can be unsuitable for full-time use.
A department or agency should avoid the temptation to purchase armor that provides protection far in excess of realistic needs. Such a purchase will not only increase cost, but increased the likelihood that armor will not be worn.

Q: What should I consider about the types of body armor available?
A: When selecting body armor comfort is a major factor and two fundamental factors should be considered: fit -- from the standpoint of mobility and weight distribution of the armor -- and heat discomfort. With respect to fit or heat dissipation, a few members of the team or staff might wear samples on a trial basis before the agency makes a major purchase. 
The introduction of several new fabrics have enhance wearability and comfort. GoreTex® is water resistant that allows perspiration to evaporate but prevents moisture from reaching the ballistic material. By using this material, some manufacturers have eliminated the water repellant treatment, which they claim improves breatheability. 
CoolMax® is now being used by some manufacturers in place of cotton and nylon fabric traditionally used in the outershell of the vest. Manufacturers say this fabric draws moisture away from the body to the outer surface of the garment.
The top 10 factors regarding comfort are:

• shoulder, neck and armholes should be feathered to minimize bulk and increase comfort
• shoulder straps should be wide enough for comfort and to distribute weight but not restrict movement
• seam construction as hold allow maximum flexibility
• armor should permit size adjustment
• the carrier for the armor should have a tail that can be tucked into pants
• the armor should be as light as possible, while still providing protection
• the length of the armor should not be too long or it will be pushed up to the throat when sitting or bending
• armor should be wide enough to allow the front panel to overlap the back panel
• armholes should not be too small
• the neck opening should not be too high and should be properly shaped.

Q: What are tips for purchasing body armor?
A: After determining the threat level officers will face and the level of protection needed, then purchasing agents should begin reviewing specific products. The national Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center has compiled a list of products that have been tested and comply with NIJ standards.
The next step is to solicit competitive bids for the companies that manufacture these models and to choose a model. Complications can arise sometimes from various sources including the salesperson for the manufacturer and overspecifying departmental needs. Remember a salesperson's goal is to persuade the agency that his or her product is the best available. Sometimes a salesperson will suggest that an agency include requirements that are unique to the company's product in the bid specifications. Others use product demonstrations to show their product is superior. Beware of these practices. 

Procurement of law enforcement/corrections equipment should focus on: clarity (ensuring the purchase agreement is not ambiguous), simplicity (including only the items essential to the purchase agreement) and internal consistency (ensuring that requirements for each individual item do not conflict with another).
Agencies may want to avoid a requirement that can force an agency to accept the lowest bid. Instead the agency might want to consider adding a clause that allows the agency to buy from a manufacturer offering the armor that best meets the agency's needs and that the officers find more comfortable.
Additional separate items that might be included in the purchase agreement are: NIJ Standards requirements, labeling - which describes performance and protection, configuration - this wold be needed if only one type of configuration meets the department's needs, adjustment options - this identifies design feature that make the product more comfortable for the wearer, riding up -  this applies to armor that is concealed, metals - department should evaluate any products that include metal components which would injure an officer if a bullet strikes the vest, color,  and quality, which ensures the product was made with suitable materials. 

For information or to see the complete guide, Selection and Application Guide to Police Body Armor, visit the National Criminal Justice Reference Service website at www.ncjrs.org

To reach the NLECTC, visit the website at www.nlectc.org or call 800-248-2742