A cluster-based law enforcement body armor sizing system: Concept, procedure, and design practice

Area of Science:

• Anthropometry
• Forensic Science
• Protective Equipment Design

Background:

• Law enforcement officers (LEOs) face increasing risks and workforce diversity, highlighting the need for standardized body armor sizing.
• Current body armor sizing lacks a national standard, leading to potential fit issues and compromised protection for LEOs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a body armor sizing scheme and chart/app for law enforcement officers (LEOs).
• To create a plan for 'sizing vests' to aid in armor fit assessment.
• To address the critical need for adequate body armor accommodation for the diverse LEO population.

Main Methods:

• Collected torso anthropometric data from 756 male and 218 female LEOs across the United States.
• Developed a nine-size system for males and an eight-size system for females based on collected data.
• Proposed a sizing chart/app and 'sizing vests' for practical fit assessment.

Main Results:

• A new body armor sizing scheme was developed, with nine sizes for male LEOs and eight for female LEOs.
• A sizing chart/app was proposed to help LEOs quickly determine the best armor size.
• Recommended 'sizing vests' to provide a physical method for fit assessment.

Conclusions:

• The study recommends that armor manufacturers adopt the new sizing systems for improved LEO protection.
• Implementing these sizing structures can enhance the fit and safety of body armor for law enforcement officers.
• Further evaluation of armor prototypes within the new sizing structure is crucial for optimizing LEO safety.