Over the past ten years, there have been a large number of assaults against police officers. Government data indicates that this amounts to almost 60,000 assaults every year. More than a third of the deaths that resulted from theses assaults were due to gunshot wounds. While motor vehicle crashes cause a large number of officers to lose their lives while on duty, gunshots are currently the second leading cause of their fatalities.
In 2016 alone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s data revealed that 66 law enforcement officers were criminally killed in the line of duty. Firearms were used in 62 of the assaults that resulted in these deaths. In 20% of these incidents, officers were wearing body armor when they sustained a gunshot wound to the torso. Unfortunately the body armor they were wearing wasn’t able to withstand the type of ammunition that was used against them. This was due to the ammunition being more powerful than what was expected.
Police duty gear, such as body armor clothing, has made a positive impact on police safety in a variety of situations. For over 30 years, armor vests alone have prevented the deaths of 3,000 or more law enforcement officers. In 2013, for example, the Bureau of Justice Statistics conducted a survey with local police departments. The results showed that 71% of these departments mandated that their officers wear armor vests at all times when on duty.
It’s important to note that when officers wear armor vests, they increase their chance of surviving a gunshot wound to the torso. Data shows that when officers don’t wear their vests, they are actually 3.4 times more likely to die from this type of gunshot wound. This underlines the importance of always wearing the appropriate gear.
Are you looking for body armor clothing or tactical body armor? Since there are different levels of body armor, what you need will depend on a variety of factors. This includes having the right type of armor to handle the typical situations that arise within your community as well as being prepared for unexpected events. When you contact a body armor supplier, you will be able to discuss your specific needs. You will also be able to learn more about other items that you may want, such as reactive practice targets.
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