National Institute of Justice Statement on Body Armor

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is aware, through recent media reports, that a used Custom Armor Technologies (CAT) model QVA-3A-1 ballistic vest was recently independently tested and was reportedly penetrated by a .44 caliber round that model of vest was designed to stop.  NIJ is also aware the same model ballistic vest was worn during an officer involved shooting in November 2011.  The round fired by the suspect in that incident passed through the officer's vest at a point within one inch from the edge of the front ballistic panel, where the CAT model QVA-3A-1 vest is not expected to afford ballistic protection.  The CAT model QVA-3A-1 ballistic vest, when new, was demonstrated to have met the former NIJ0101.04 Body Armor Standard in 2004. 

NIJ does not have information at this time that demonstrates CAT model QVA-3A-1 ballistic vests do not perform to the expected level of protection.  NIJ is working to obtain information regarding the independent test to determine why it appears the vest may have failed.  Once NIJ has determined the facts of the matter, information will be shared with the law enforcement community.

The Justice Department is committed to the health and safety of all law enforcement officers and urges all officers to continue wearing their protective vests.  DOJ also encourages public safety officers to follow body armor manufacturer "wear and care" instructions, and to refrain from storing armor in environments in which it may be exposed to extreme heat or cold.  Age alone does not cause body armor's ballistic resistance to deteriorate-the care and maintenance of vests are vital.  Officers should inspect their body armor on a regular basis.  Armor showing excessive wear or damage should be replaced. 

View the list of body armor models tested against the current NIJ Body Armor Standard NIJ0101.06 and found to be compliant: https://www.justnet.org/other/ballistic_cpl.html.  

Learn more about body armor at:  www.nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/welcome.htm

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP), headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.

SOURCE Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs

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