WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Katie Britt (R-AL), Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to provide next generation body armor tailored to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified that body armor typically used by DHS officers can allow bullets to deflect off the chest of the armor and hit the throat area, leaving female officers vulnerable. The bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide law enforcement personnel with appropriately fitting improved ballistic body armor, ensuring that DHS can better protect all personnel.
“The dedicated officers serving in DHS law enforcement roles deserve nothing less than the most effective protective equipment available,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation addresses a safety gap that puts our officers at unnecessary risk. By ensuring access to properly fitted body armor that meets the highest safety standards, we’re fulfilling our duty to protect those who protect us.”
“I’m proud to reintroduce this crucial legislation that will ensure Department of Homeland Security officers—both women and men—have properly fitting body armor that truly protects them in the line of duty,” said Senator Britt. “Last year, our bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act passed the Senate unanimously. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill to President Trump’s desk. Our brave law enforcement heroes deserve body armor that keeps them safe while they selflessly protect and serve our nation with distinction.”
In 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on a female mold, was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer. Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available. This legislation would address the demonstrated safety risks identified in FBI testing and ensure that all DHS law enforcement officers have access to potentially life-saving protection.
The bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act would require all agencies under DHS to provide all their law enforcement personnel, particularly female law enforcement officers, with improved ballistic body armor to better protect them in the line of duty.
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