The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 24, Number 7 | Page 14

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2018
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Successfully addressing the threat posed by semi-automatic rifles requires a three-pronged approach. This approach
includes the capability to respond with a similarly effective weapons platform (patrol rifle), mitigate and treat injuries
through TCCC-- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (tourniquets, IFAKs), and protect officers with body-worn protective
equipment.
While many agencies have taken steps to provide their officers with patrol rifles, TCCC training, and tourniquets/
IFAKs as both responsive and mitigative measures against confrontations with rifle-wielding assailants, we’ve mostly
ignored the third pillar of the rifle engagement triad-- protective equipment.
While some agencies have begun to provide officers with rifle-plated external vests that can be kept in the patrol
vehicle trunk, such an approach will not help officers who are ambushed or otherwise come under unexpected rifle
fire, nor those who are away from their vehicles or assigned to motorcycle, mounted, bicycle, or foot patrol.
The time has come when we need to seriously consider sending our officers out the door with full-time, body worn
rifle plating that protects their vital organs from the high-speed, high-energy projectiles that they are increasingly
likely to face.
From Concept to Practice
In October of 2017, our agency formed a working group with the purpose of redesigning our uniform and equipment
to provide for the everyday use of rifle plates. After extensive research, testing, and evaluation, every uniformed
member began wearing an external vest carrier that not only carried officers’ concealable body armor panels and
equipment previously worn on the duty belt, but two lightweight rifle plates.
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