09/27/2021
Last time, we wrote about armor for the civilian population. For this post we'd like to talk about body armor protection for those in the Security field.
With an increase in gun violence (certainly here in Atlanta), there is an increased security presence at night clubs, apartment buildings, and retail outlets. We've received many requests to outfit security officers and it often comes down to what the security officer can afford to buy (they usually pay, not the company). And in that regard, whatever they can afford is better than wearing nothing. Ideally, we like to recommend the level or protection for the threat level they face but also with consideration of the weight factor involved and what they can afford. Generally speaking (with exceptions), security guards are not highly compensated and therefor concerned about their budget. We usually find they can spend between $200-$400. So we try to concentrate more on the type/level of protection first, followed by the carrier. Another word, more money should be spent on the right armor (safe and light) than on the carrier. Often, the security officer will state right off that they want r***e protection because that is the highest risk they face. What they may not understand (and why this is different from civilians) is that weight is an important consideration, especially if you're standing and working eight hour shifts, five days a week (steel plates average 16 lbs. per set. Level IIIA pads average 3 lbs. per set). Like law enforcement personnel, you have to balance threat vs. weight considerations. That's why LEOs wears lightweight Level II or IIIA panels and only throw on r***e plate protection when there is an identified threat. This keeps them relatively mobile and functional throughout the day, despite the risk of r***e fire. Once this is understood, then the security officer can make a more informed decision about their protection needs.
There is not much of a price difference between soft panels (handgun protection) and Level III r***e plate sets. Typically they run between $180 and $230, with r***e plates coming in at the higher end. If you move into Level III+ or more lighter weight plates, the price moves higher. Again, any protection is better than no protection. As to carriers, there are several options. There are full concealable carriers, plate carriers, and tactical carriers.
Concealable carriers give complete handgun protection, front, side, and back with costs start at around $500. It's ideal if you are required to have a low profile/non-military appearance or are doing executive protection work.
Plate carriers are more external and offer the option of holding front, back, and side soft panels or hard plates. They protect key vital organs but the coverage is not as extensive as a full concealable vest. Most security officers go with plate carriers because they are typically required to have a more tactical appearance to deter threats (nightclubs or apartment complexes) and they are a more affordable solution. Plate carriers start at around $60 for a basic version and can run around $300+ for a top end version. One of the more popular and affordable plate carriers is the Condor MOPC, starting at $83. The MOPC with a set of Level IIIA panels, will cost $277 (with tax). The MOPC with Level III plates costs $282. All ballistic armor quoted above is made in the USA, and under .25" thin. You can always find cheaper and thicker made in China ballistic products but we do not compromise your safety when it comes to personal protection.
The final carrier option is a tactical carrier, which usually comes with full Level IIIA ballistic coverage and plate pockets, front and back, for the option of adding plates as needed. You typically see this arrangement with SWAT or the military. It's gives you more options at a higher price, usually coming in around $700.
Our goal is to keep our Security officers safe, while keeping it affordable. Wearing nothing, or just a carrier without ballistic panels or plates is incompatible with being armed security. Where there's a gun (theirs or yours), there's an increased risk that you must mitigate. We can help you make the right choice.
