ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q4-2023

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2023

Whether it's law enforcement officers, military personnel, or other public safety professionals, the crucial role of body armor in safeguarding lives cannot be overstated. However, what often needs to be addressed is the significance of ad equately sizing this critical protective gear. The right fit matters. R egarding body armor, one size certainly does not fit all. Inadequate body armor can pose severe risks to officers' safety and mobility. It's not just about comfort; it's about ensur ing that officers and military personnel have the best protection while maintaining their ability to move and respond effectively in high-stress or life-threatening situations. Body armor that is too loose can shift during movement, leaving vulnerable gaps in protection for mission-specific assignments. Armor that is too tight can restrict mobility and lead to discomfort or even injury. Achieving the right balance between safety and mobility is crucial. Traditionally, the process of sizing body armor has been cumbersome and often inaccurate. It typically involves manual measurements taken in-store or onsite. These methods can be time-consuming, and human error can lead to inaccuracies in sizing. The consequence of these inaccuracies can be severe, as it might result in officers or personnel wearing armor that could potentially put an officer's life in danger. Recent technological advancements have changed the manner in which first responders can be sized for body armor. New touchless and automated methods redefining how body measurements are captured have emerged in the industry. By utilizing new fitting technology, agencies and departments can use a smartphone app to decrease the risk of marginal error and streamline how officers are fitted for body armor. This trans formative technology employs aspects such as the power of artificial intelligence to create an instant and precise fit guide, even from the convenience of a mobile phone. This revolution ary approach ensures optimal fit and simplifies the entire sizing process. Currently, the only available touchless, automated method of capturing body measurements, XpertFit by Safariland, provides an instant and accurate fit guide using only a mobile phone. This swift and efficient procedure not only saves time and money but also ensures a level of accuracy that was previ ously unimaginable. The careful development of the algorithms, rigorous testing in real-world scenarios, seamless process flow, and app aspects have been scrutinized to guarantee the utmost precision and maintain customer data privacy.

Technology like this expedites the measurement and fitting process and exemplifies the seamless convergence of technolo gy and safety. Officers now have the flexibility of working directly with armor distributors, a departure from the conventional need for onsite fittings. This groundbreaking approach signifies the pinnacle of innovation and the commitment to first responder safety. In the world of public safety, there's no room for com promise when it comes to body armor. Ensuring officers and military personnel have properly sized body armor is critical to their safety and effectiveness. With innovative solutions like the XpertFit, achieving the perfect fit has never been easier or more accurate. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of those who protect and serve our communities.

About the Author: David Higginbotham is a Product Marketing Manager for Safariland. After a career in aca demia, he moved into the firearms industry, creating content, and editing for multiple publications. Now, as a specialist in everyday carry and armed self-defense, he’s contributing to Safariland’s mission by consulting on product design and education.

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