Aug 22, 2007
Presto change-o!
A duffel bag becomes body armor
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by PATRICIA GAY
“To protect and to serve,” is one of the most well-known phrases associated with law enforcement officials.
But what about when law enforcement officials need protection?
Just as guns and pepper spray are part of a police officer’s arsenal of protective devices, so, too, is body armor, also known as bulletproof vests.
While, the Weston Police Department currently has enough bulletproof vests for all its officers, the department is considering the purchase of additional body armor, specifically tailored for officers when they are involved in active shooter incidents.
On Aug. 7, Mark Moran, president of the company The Finest and Bravest, LLC, conducted a demonstration of this special type of body armor before members of the Police Commission.
The armor is described in a catalog by its manufacturer, Point Blank Body Armor, Inc., as a “revolutionary new product that rapidly converts from a weapons carrier to protective body armor.”
“When a tactical response is necessary, but waiting for a tactical unit is not an option, the Rapid Deployment Body Armor bag is the solution,” the manufacturer to claims.
Rapid deployment
To demonstrate the body armor, Mr. Moran presented what appeared to be an ordinary black nylon duffel bag to the commission. The bag was unmarked and looked like something a person would take to the gym.
Then Mr. Moran began to work fast, like a quick-change artist or magician.
He tore a Velcro panel off the bag to reveal the word “Police.” He then removed a concealed rifle from the bag and placed it in a holster on his leg. He took the bag, unzipped it, unfastened a few clasps, and sure as shootin’, the bag was transformed into a two piece-vest which Mr. Moran put over his head and wore like a sandwich board.
In just a matter of seconds, a plain-looking bag was converted into a bulletproof vest.
Mr. Moran explained that the appealing feature of the bag is that it is useful as a carrying case for a rifle, yet does double duty as a serious piece of body armor.
“The bag itself provides level three protection, an additional plate added inside a pouch adds level four body armor protection for the abdominal area,” Mr. Moran said.
He explained that level four is the highest level of body armor protection, and can withstand multiple shots fired from a rifle.
“This armor provides the same level of protection as a SWAT tactical vest,” Mr. Moran said.
He said officers would find it very useful in active shooter situations, because it would be easy to carry a rifle for long distances.
The bag is water resistant, and has pockets that can hold ammunition and adjustable straps to accommodate officers of all sizes.
The straps also make the vest easy to hang over the side of a car door, Mr. Moran said.
Impressed
The Police Commission appeared impressed with Mr. Moran and his quickfire demonstration.
Commissioner Beth Gralnick handled the bag extensively to get a feel for its weight and durability. “It’s light. Even I can pick it up,” she said.
Acting Police Chief John Troxell said the bag appeared to be a good product.
The price tag for one body armor bag is around $900. That includes a five-year service warranty and in-house training, Mr. Moran said.
But the commission was not ready that night to order any bags.
Although he liked the product and the protection it afforded, Chief Troxell told the commission there were other things to consider as well.
“We need to weigh the benefits and cost of the bag to the alternative — having rifle racks installed in the police cars and buying other vests,” he said. “I’m not sure this is the way to go at this time. I’m still working on getting those costs,” he said.
Because of state and federal mandates to engage in homeland security training, the Weston Police Department has held several training sessions geared toward dealing with active shooters.
Last year, several members of the department took a class about handling an active shooter in a school. This year, a similar exercise was held at Weston High School, where officers were shown various techniques to control such a situation.
“Protecting our officers, should such an occasion arise, is of paramount importance,” Chief Troxell said.
He said the body armor issue will be discussed again with the commission in September.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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