I remember the conversation I once had with a fellow security professional vividly. We discussed the different risks and threats our colleagues and friends face every day they go to work. The increasing level of violence, the fact that more edged weapons are being used, and the young age of some offenders committing those assaults soon also became a part of our profoundly passionate conversation.
Ultimately, the talk led to ‘body armour’ and the many options for those men and women. Overt or covert, different colours, different protection and performance levels, flexible or rigid, the list of options seems endless.
One of which regrettably is still being seen as a real alternative is the ‘used’ or second-hand body armour.
Whatever makes some professionals consider this dire option, I can only advise strongly against it. Do not go down that road!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Would you buy a used parachute that you did not know the history of, strap it onto your back, jump out of a plane, and hope for the best? Despite the apparent cost-saving, I very much hope I can take a clear answer for granted.
The English saying ‘better safe than sorry’ makes more sense within personal safety than in any other field. Professionals whose responsibilities include dealing with hostile members of the public simply should not gamble with their own lives.
Just like the aforementioned parachute, second-hand body armour could have been stored inappropriately. In fact, it could have been ill-treated, or it could have simply passed its product shelf life. Never mind the fact that the previous owner might have suffered from an assault wearing the very same body armour. Thereby, this person could have left it structurally damaged, which is often invisible to the human eye.
Any of these issues could potentially lead to a significant performance loss and failure of such body armour. Further, it could result in severe injuries ― or even loss of life.
The American National Institute of Justice (NIJ) made it clear when saying:
“Age is not the only factor that affects degradation of body armour. Wear and tear from normal use can also contribute to deterioration. Some substances, such as dry-cleaning solvents, harsh detergents, bleach, and accumulated soap residue, can damage body armour and reduce its effectiveness. Improper storage also can degrade performance. For example, storing body armour on a hanger, rather than letting the vest lie flat, can reduce the armour’s effectiveness.”
Maintaining Your Body Armour ― A Sine Qua Non
In 2009, NIJ funded the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct a national survey of police officers. Among other things, the survey examined what officers knew about caring for and maintaining their body armour. The survey revealed that most officers are knowledgeable about body armour care and maintenance practices. Yet, a substantial number did not adhere to the practices they do understand.
Well, your second-hand body armour, the one you just purchased, what do you know about its history? Well, you might say, money is a major issue in today’s financial climate, and body armour is not the cheapest of all products.
Yes, you are certainly right with such a statement. But is gambling with your life the solution for a professional charged with the responsibility of protecting others or their infrastructure, services, events, or properties? Priority must be your own personal safety.
Go to a reputable body armour manufacturer. Secondly, explain your situation, make a case, and give it your best shot. Sometimes they will listen, and sometimes they will want to help as much as they can to see you be safe. Some of these companies do genuinely care.
Andy Farrall FIIRSM CMIOSH MIIAI MInstLM, director and founder at Management & Safety Training Ltd, stated once:
“Buying used body armour with an unknown history makes as much sense as buying a second-hand crash helmet for use on a motorbike. You won’t know the equipment is faulty until you put it to the test in a crisis ― and by then, it’s possibly just too late.”
There is another saying, which makes quite a bit of sense, “You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.” Meaning, if you expect a product to save your life and if your life might well depend on it, you will have to pay a specific price for it.
Suppose you are a true professional and really want to be the best you can be. In that case, you really should understand that being ill-equipped or purchasing low-quality equipment can have a colossal impact on the outcome of the situation you have found yourself in.
Where to Look for Body Armour
Of course, many people have recognised the potential financial gain second-hand body armour can make and try to flog them via eBay. They could also use some questionable digital platforms or army surplus stores. What can I say? These are not the places a true security professional should be looking for when in need of body armour.
But let us forget the financial gain for a second and think of the morals behind it. Are these individuals selling used body armour not gambling with our friends, associates, colleagues, or family members’ lives?
Whatever the state and whatever they claim they have done to ensure the quality of their used body armour, as someone who knows a thing or two (or more) about this subject matter, I must say that I do not believe at all whatever claims they are making. Not because they are all bad guys, but simply because, in my professional opinion, it is impossible to guarantee the protection or performance level of used body armour without extensive and costly re-testing.
Second-hand body armour should be returned to the original manufacturer for a professional re-evaluation using the latest technology. Especially when older than four or five years. If the subsequent test reports make it clear that body armour is still performing to the level expected, then, and only then, is a used body armour becoming an option, never mind an extremely poor one.
