US Department of Justice 5/9/2018

IX. Mandatory Wear Policy: BJA will continue the existing policy that requires a written mandatory wear policy for uniformed patrol officers in place when the FY 2018 BVP applications are submitted. X. Uniquely Fitted Vest Requirement: The BVP Reauthorization Act of 2015 included a provision that states that preference should be given to BVP recipients that provide armor vests to law enforcement officers that are uniquely fitted for such officers, including vests uniquely fitted to individual female law enforcement officers. This provision is applicable to FY 17 BVP awards moving forward. Please see the BVP Reauthorization Act of 2015 amendment for reference: https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/pub1155/PLAW- 114pub1155.pdf. In the BVP Program, "uniquely fitted vests" means protective (ballistic or stab-resistant) armor vests that conform to the individual wearer to provide the best possible fit and coverage, through a combination of: 1) correctly-sized panels and carrier, determined through appropriate measurement, and 2) properly adjusted straps, harnesses, fasteners, flaps, or other adjustable features. The requirement that body armor be "uniquely fitted" does not necessarily require body armor that is individually manufactured based on the measurements of an individual wearer. In support of the Office of Justice Programs' efforts to improve officer safety, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International has made available the Standard Practice for Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor(Active Standard ASTM E3003) available at no cost. The Personal Armor Fit Assessment checklist, is excerpted from ASTM E3003. In addition, a certification section has been added to the 2018 application (in the BVP system) stating the jurisdictions and law enforcement agency are aware of and will comply with this fitted vest requirement. 2