Over the past month, I have been gathering information on Body Armor for Female Police Officers. I have compiled a document with cumulative research relating to my topic. The document is compiled of 4 sections; an overview of the problem, research content, possible direction, and a feedback form. Research is an ongoing process that will continue to grow as I look deeper into solutions.
Please take a moment to read though my research document and leave your feedback.
Explore and find more in-depth information about each section throughout the website.
First of all, very interesting research!
I think creating the ideal cover for rigid armor plates is a very interesting research you could dive in. Since blocking bullets is the top priority, but it is also very important that the police officers have mobility, I believe the type of material used in the vest is very important because you can tackle these many problems at the same time. Taking that in consideration, I think that maybe trying to find a new type of material to accommodate all these necessities would be a good idea.
The most common products used in the rigid armor plates are ceramic, steel and polyethylene. However, I know that there is ongoing research on a new type of materials that could replace the polyethylene, having the same application’s benefits (or even increasing them).
One example I did research on are the natural fibers from the Amazon Forest. They have been used to replace polyethylene in a variety of industrial applications (such as clothing). They are not only environmentally friendly materials, but also have some interesting physical and mechanical properties. The substitution of polyethylene or other materials most used by the natural fibers could help not only in terms of bullet resistance, but it can also be useful in providing comfortability, breathability, flexibility if using the right natural fibers.
Another major problem you said is the reduction in ballistic efficiency of more than 20 percent when the vest is wet. Since blocking bullets is the top priority, reducing that loss of efficiency seems very important. I believe that the search for a new material could also help reduce that percentage of loss. I mentioned natural fibers because I know that there is research involving them, but it is only a suggestion that came to my mind while reading about your research.
In general, a smart design that is user friendly and does not reduces the police officers’ ability to move quickly is also very important to have in mind. However, I believe that it does not matter how good the vest is (in the theory) if it does not accommodate all the other necessities for women pollice officers. As the research focuses on Female Police Officers, it is necessary that you always make sure that the solution will help them based on the specific problems they face. Perhaps being able to partner with some female police officers could help you a lot in terms of understanding in depth all the problems faced as well as to test any possible solution you choose.