Public safety personnel rely on their equipment every single day to protect them in unpredictable situations. Among the most critical pieces of gear is body armor—and choosing the right protection for your department requires more than picking a vest off a catalog page. It demands a clear understanding of standards, proper sizing and fitting, vendor reliability, and a long-term strategy for replacement, budget planning, and ongoing service.
At Hanover Uniform, we support agencies across law enforcement, corrections, security, EMS, and specialty public safety divisions. Based on our work outfitting thousands of personnel, here’s what every department should know before purchasing body armor—and how partnering with a dedicated distributor ensures your team stays safe, properly fitted, and fully supported.
1. Understand the NIJ Protection Levels
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the performance standards for body armor worn by public safety personnel.
When evaluating armor, departments should understand:
• Ballistic Levels (II, IIIA, III, IV)
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Level II & IIIA: Common for patrol officers—lightweight, concealable, protects against most handgun threats.
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Level III & IV (Rifle Plates): Designed for tactical teams and higher-threat environments.
• Stab/Spike Protection
Correctional facilities and transport teams often require NIJ 0115.00-certified stab and spike protection, which is different from ballistic protection.
• Multi-Threat Packages
Some panels combine ballistic and stab protection—ideal for agencies needing versatile use cases.
Departments should begin with a threat assessment: What does your staff encounter most often? What incidents have increased in recent years? What policies require upgrading protection levels? This ensures you’re purchasing armor that matches real-world risks.
2. Prioritize Fit: Proper Measuring and Sizing Matters
Body armor is only effective if it fits correctly. An ill-fitting vest can:
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Reduce protection coverage
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Interfere with mobility
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Become uncomfortable—leading to lower wear compliance
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Create liability if hit zones are exposed
What Good Distributors Offer: In-Person or On-Site Fittings
At Hanover Uniform, we provide:
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On-site fittings across the Mid-Atlantic (Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, Delaware)
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Fit kits for remote or multi-location staff
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Professional measuring by trained uniform specialists
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Standard, female-cut, and custom-measured options
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Review of manufacturer-specific sizing charts
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Re-measures for staff with changing body composition or returning from leave
These fittings ensure that every officer receives the correct size—and that departments avoid costly returns or uncomfortable vests.
3. Evaluate Carrier Systems and Duty Requirements
Modern armor is more than just ballistic panels. Departments should consider:
• Carrier Type
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Concealable carriers – Worn under uniforms for patrol or administrative personnel
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External carriers – Increasingly popular for patrol due to comfort and weight distribution
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Tactical carriers – For SWAT, warrant teams, and high-risk operations
• MOLLE Attachments
Officers carrying radios, medical gear, cameras, magazines, or other accessories may benefit from MOLLE webbing systems.
• Climate & Comfort Considerations
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Moisture-wicking materials
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Stretch panels
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Ventilated designs
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Options for hot or humid environments
• Replacement Carriers
Most manufacturers recommend replacing carriers every 1–2 years for hygiene, wear, and fabric performance. Partner distributors can set up recurring replacement schedules.
4. Know Your Replacement Cycle and Warranty Terms
Ballistic panels have a lifespan—typically 5 years, depending on manufacturer guidelines.
Public safety departments should know:
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Expiration dates for all issued vests
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Warranty terms for ballistic packages and carriers
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How to budget annual replacement cycles
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How to track armor assignment per employee
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What to do with expired armor (some vendors offer recycling programs)
Partnering with a distributor like Hanover Uniform allows your agency to track this data and schedule replacements before safety becomes compromised.
5. Balance Performance with Budget: Explore Options and Equivalents
Armor varies in material, weight, flexibility, and cost. Working with a distributor helps you compare:
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Ultra-lightweight vs. standard ballistic packages
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Specialty female-cut options
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High-end tactical carriers vs. budget-friendly patrol carriers
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Equivalent armor packages that meet NIJ standards at different price points
A good distributor can walk you through multiple vendors, explain trade-offs, and make recommendations that match your department’s operational and financial needs.
6. Leverage Distributor Support for Procurement, Tracking, and Logistics
What a qualified distributor should provide:
• Multiple vendor options
Allowing your department to compare features, warranties, and price.
• Program management
Tracking:
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Sizes
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Serial numbers
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Issue dates
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Expiration dates
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Replacement schedules
• On-site visits and fittings
Particularly helpful for large departments or multi-location agencies.
• Fast sourcing and lead-time monitoring
Especially crucial when manufacturers experience delays.
• Custom kitting and labeling
Hanover Uniform can “bag-and-tag” each officer’s vest with their name, assigned gear, and size for easy distribution.
• Integration with uniform programs
If your department uses uniform allowances or online portals, body armor can be added as a restricted or controlled item.
Why Partner with Hanover Uniform for Body Armor Programs
For over 40 years, Hanover Uniform has supported public safety agencies with full-service uniform and protective equipment programs. When you partner with us, you receive:
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Expert fittings by trained staff
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Access to leading armor brands
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Support for both ballistic and stab/spike protection
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Custom portal ordering through our CROS platform
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Bag-and-tag distribution for large rollouts
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Ongoing program management for replacements and expiring armor
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Local support from our 50,000 sq ft Baltimore distribution center
Whether you’re outfitting 10 officers or 1,000, we ensure each member of your team receives the right armor, the right fit, and dependable ongoing support.
Need Help Building or Refreshing Your Body Armor Program?
Hanover Uniform can support:
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New department-wide rollouts
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Annual replacements
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Fit sessions
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Vendor product comparisons
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Budget planning for future fiscal years
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Portal-based ordering and tracking
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or on-site fitting session.
Your team’s safety deserves nothing less than the right protection—backed by the right partner.