Civilians are a very broad group, and the best civilian body armor you can pick will vary greatly depending on your location, vocation, and situation. Everyday protection in a rough neighborhood is very different than working security with a high-risk client.
And, while wearing body armor as a law-abiding civilian in the United States is completely legal, not all places will have the same policy in relation to those exposing their armor.
Generally, that leaves civilians with three categories of bulletproof vests that will do the best job in different circumstances:
- Covert armored clothing
- Concealed internal carriers
- An overt external soft carrier
To be certain about your choice of civilian body armor, you will need to access the situation to the best of your abilities. You shouldn’t underestimate the dangers that might befall you, but neither should you focus only on what might happen in the worst-case scenario.
Ideally, you will want to stay adaptable and able to change your setup quickly. But, if that is not possible, your best bet is to go with something agile and comfortable and plan for contingencies.
Everyday Armor
Although overall crime, even with the turmoil happening lately, in decreeing over the years, there are still some jobs and locations where gun violence is a real issue. Here, you will need to protect yourself if you want to do your job right.
Liquor stores and gas stations are some of the most commonly attacked locations due to their perceived abundance of cash and the fact they often work overnight.
But, because we know that 97% of such crimes are committed with a handgun, we can adjust our expectations to defend from such an attack. A simple and covert solution like the AH™ Armored Hoodie is ideal to protect yourself while working without concerning law-abiding customers that frequent your store or workplace.
Going Professional
Because security sector professionals are also considered civilians, their requirements should also be noted in this categorization. In many ways, they need the same things as military personnel but can go with cutting back on some weight.
Ideally, you should have an adaptable plate carrier that will be light in general but can be enhanced with a hard plate. Using the FRMV™ Fast Response Metropolis Vest will serve such a purpose, and will give you all the utility you might need.
Explosives are the Worst
The worst thing when dealing with explosives as a civilian is the probable lack of intent. Unlike in combat situations, explosives, flammables, and incendiaries can be placed, left, or even made, entirely by accident. And some people have a job to remove them.
Not only should you have a body-wrapping armor like the Metropolis vest, but also some auxiliary armor that will protect other vital body parts. Putting on something like the ACS™ Armored Combat Shirt for your neck and arms, as well as some groin and thigh should keep you safe and sound.
