Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing next-generation body armor specifically tailored for female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The proposed legislation follows recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which identified a critical vulnerability in the body armor typically used by DHS officers. The tests revealed that bullets could deflect off the chest area of the armor and strike the throat, posing a significant risk to both female officers and some male officers. This discovery highlighted the need for body armor that better fits the anatomical differences of female officers.
The bipartisan bill, known as the DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act, would mandate that all DHS agencies provide law enforcement personnel with improved ballistic body armor that offers better coverage, fit, and functionality. The aim is to enhance the safety of DHS officers by ensuring their protective gear meets the highest standards.
“I am proud to support the courageous women of the Department of Homeland Security who selflessly protect and serve our nation with distinction,” said Senator Britt. “Just as they safeguard our homeland, they deserve equipment that will keep them safe in the line of duty. This is a commonsense piece of legislation that will help our DHS law enforcement officers return home to their family at the end of every day.”
Senator Peters echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of providing the best possible protective equipment for all DHS officers. “Our brave Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. They deserve the best possible equipment to protect themselves when on the job,” said Peters. “This commonsense bill will ensure all officers, regardless of gender or body type, have access to the most advanced and effective body armor available and are protected when in harm’s way.”
In 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that considered different body types. These tests showed that the commonly used body armor was vulnerable to projectiles ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, potentially causing fatal injuries. Despite the availability of improved ballistic body armor, DHS has not yet provided this advanced equipment to their officers.
The DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act aims to address this gap by requiring DHS agencies to equip their female law enforcement officers and any other personnel with the improved body armor, ensuring better protection and safety for those who serve on the front lines.
This bipartisan effort underscores the commitment of Senators Britt and Peters to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the nation’s law enforcement personnel, recognizing their critical role in maintaining homeland security.
