Body Armor Basics: What Every Officer Needs to Know About Proper Fit

Whether on patrol, responding to a high-risk call, or simply interacting with the public, law enforcement officers face unpredictable threats every day. Body armor is one of the most vital tools in an officer's safety arsenal—but it only works if it’s worn properly and is up to date.

At Advanced Emergency Solutions, we’ve worked alongside law enforcement long enough to know: your gear doesn’t just need to be available—it needs to be reliable.

Why Proper Wear Matters

An ill-fitted vest or expired armor panel isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Properly worn and current ballistic protection significantly increases an officer’s survivability in firearm assaults, stab threats, and other physical altercations. The Department of Justice has reported that officers wearing body armor are 77% less likely to suffer fatal injuries from gunfire compared to those who aren’t protected.

But here's the catch: even the best vest in the world won’t work if it’s not worn right.

Key Considerations for Proper Body Armor Use

✅ Ensure Proper Fit

• Armor should cover vital organs without limiting range of motion.

• Front and back panels must overlap at the sides to eliminate exposure.

• The top of the front panel should sit at the sternal notch—not sagging down near the belly.

• The back panel should sit between the shoulder blades and above the lower back.

• Adjust straps to keep armor snug against the body—loose armor reduces protection and increases risk of shifting during a struggle.

🗓 Check the Expiration Date

• All body armor has a shelf life—typically 5 years for soft armor panels.

• Environmental exposure, moisture, heat, and improper storage can degrade ballistic materials faster.

• Check the NIJ certification label inside the vest for the manufacture and expiration date. Out-of-date armor may fail to meet protection standards, and in some cases, it could void your department’s liability coverage.

🛡 Wear it Every Day

• Don’t let routine create complacency. Statistics show that many officer-involved shootings occur during routine traffic stops and low-priority calls.

• Body armor should be worn during every shift, not just during perceived high-risk operations.

🧽 Maintenance and Storage

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning—never machine wash or soak panels.

• Store flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Regularly inspect for signs of wear, damage, or delamination.

Lessons Learned from the Field

• An officer in Arizona survived a point-blank gunshot to the chest because his vest was properly worn and less than a year old. The vest panel stopped a 9mm round—his only injury was bruising.

• Conversely, an officer in the Southeast was critically injured during a domestic violence call when a round struck just below an improperly adjusted vest panel. His vest had also expired two years prior.

These real-world cases reinforce a clear message: Body armor works—but only when you wear it right, and when it’s still certified to do its job.

Equipping for Survival

At Advanced Emergency Solutions, we only carry body armor brands trusted in the field: Safariland®, Chase Tactical®, Armor Express®, and others that meet or exceed NIJ standards. We work with departments to ensure officers are fitted properly, issued current gear, and educated on care and replacement cycles.

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Officer Safety Starts with the Basics.
Make Sure Your Vest Isn’t the Weakest Link.

Need a quote on NIJ-certified soft armor or plate carriers? Want help fitting your department or outfitting K9 handlers with specialized armor?
Contact us today—we’re public safety professionals serving public safety professionals.