•  How does ballistic-resistant body armor work?*
  When a bullet strikes a body armor panel, the fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact across a generalized area. Most concealable body armor is made of a number of layers; these layers assist in the energy dispersion process and help to reduce the effects of blunt trauma, caused by the force of the impacting projectile.

• What type and threat level of armor should I wear?*
  First, assess the type of threat you face on a daily basis. Review data from shooting incidents in your area, as well as the types of weapons (firearms, knives, etc.) being confiscated from suspects. Also factor in what type of sidearm and duty ammunition you are carrying; FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data indicates that approximately 1 in 6 officers that are killed in the line of duty are shot with their own weapon. Other considerations are: the climate in which you work, typical duty assignment, and personal preference considerations (comfort and fit). Again, the decision is ultimately yours.

  Threat Levels - What will the different level body armor defend against?

*Excerpts from Justice Technology Information Network - A program of the National Institute of Justice