Science Afternoon at NIST Archive: Bullet Resistant Armor - Apr 29

VIDEO MISSING

Ever wondered how bullet-resistant vests are developed and tested? Archive webcast, from Monday, April 29, 2013, a Science Afternoon focused on NIST's role in the improvement of standards for body armor (bullet-resistant vests), worn by most law enforcement officers.

NIST supports the measurement and technical requirements of the criminal justice and public safety communities (federal, state, and local law enforcement; corrections; and other first responders) by developing performance standards for equipment, methods for examining evidentiary materials, user's guides and standard reference materials, and performing related scientific and engineering research. Nearly all of the civilian body armor used in the U.S. has been certified to comply with the requirements of the body armor standards drafted by NIST for the National Institute of Justice. Body armor that meets these standards has saved more than 3,100 lives. Evaluations of new materials and ballistic threats, and its revisions of the standard help ensure the continued effectiveness of this protection technology.

During this Science Afternoon at NIST teachers will learn about the Ballistics Testing Facility, the testing program, and research activities that lead to recommendations for improvements in officer safety. Teachers will also try out an activity based on one used in the lab to assess body armor, and take a tour of the facility where teachers will witness a test of ballistic-resistant body armor.

Have questions during the webcast? E-mail me at mary.satterfield [at] nist.gov (mary[dot]satterfield[at]nist[dot]gov) and I'll share your questions with the speakers.