As National Police Week winds down, a bill introduced by Sen. Katie Britt would ensure female officers in the Department of Homeland Security would have properly fitted equipment.
Britt (R-Montgomery) co-introduced the bi-partisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act. The legislation would ensure that female officers are equipped with next generation body armor specifically made to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement officers.
“This National Police Week and throughout the year, I am proud to support the courageous women of the Department of Homeland Security who selflessly protect and serve our nation with distinction,” said Britt. “Just as they safeguard our homeland, they deserve equipment that will keep them safe in the line of duty.”
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 female and certain male molds, 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.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for advancing this commonsense piece of legislation that will help our DHS law enforcement officers return home to their family at the end of every day,” Britt said
Britt’s bill was reported favorably by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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