Best Police Vest & Body Armor for Law Enforcement - 2023 Buyer’s Guide
As a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer (LEO), you know the job carries inherent risks—especially if you’re not tied to a desk. No matter how well-trained you are, situations can escalate quickly. With gun crime and knife attacks on the rise, the importance of wearing a police vest and body armor for law enforcement officers on duty cannot be overstated.
While truly "bulletproof" gear remains science fiction, bullet-resistant tactical vests have saved countless lives. In the U.S. alone, thousands of law enforcement officers have been protected by bulletproof vests and plate carriers over the last three decades.
Unfortunately, not all officers are provided vests by their precinct, nor do all receive donated gear from charitable organizations. Some officers required to wear protective vests may be issued outdated or poorly maintained equipment. Others are given department-regulation vests that are uncomfortable, ill-fitting, or too hot to wear for extended periods.
In many cases, officers are left with no choice but to purchase their body armor for their safety on the job.
The Evolution of Police Vests and Body Armor for Law Enforcement
Body armor for police and law enforcement officers has come a long way since Smith & Wesson marketed the ‘Barrier Vest’ back in the early 70s.
Today, there’s an overwhelming variety of body armor available. This ranges from soft armor panels to hard armor plates, ballistic to stab/spike-resistant gear, and even multi-threat protection. You’ll also find options like concealable vests for discreet protection and overt vests designed for more visible use.
When selecting police body armor, it's necessary to remember that what works for one role in law enforcement may not be suitable for another. To make your search easier, Bulletproof Zone has curated a selection of top-rated body armor. These armors are specifically designed for police and law enforcement officers. We help save you time and effort in finding the right gear for your needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vests
Plate Carriers
Auxiliary Body Armor
Top Police Vest & Law Enforcement Body Armor
Vests
Concealable Vests
Concealable bullet/stab-proof vests are meant to be worn beneath casual wear or a police uniform and go unnoticed by both regular citizens and criminals.
These vests are ideal for undercover detectives, plainclothes investigators, FBI agents, and front-line police officers. They bring the necessary protection while allowing officers to remain approachable to the public during long shifts.
Stealth PRO Concealed Bulletproof Vest Body Armor
• Soft armor panels made of 100% Dupont Kevlar. Customizable to National Institute of Justice Standard 0101.06 Level II or IIIA ballistic protection, NIJ-STD 0115.00 Level 1 or 2 edged blade protection, as well as Level 1 or 2 spike protection.
• SAPI pockets on the front and back of the vest can each accommodate a 10”x12” NIJ Level III or Level IV hard armor plate for additional rifle and sub-machine gun round protection.
• Durable, body contoured, and lightweight (5.5lbs) vests.
• Coolmax mesh lining comes with improved breathability and moisture wicking. It leaves the wearer cooler and more comfortable.
• Quickly adjustable waist straps and side panels for extra protection and an optimum fit.
• Available in either black or white, a choice of 7 sizes (small to 4XL), and a trio of lengths (short, normal, and long).
• Available in FemPro version vests specially made for women police officers.
Overt Vests
Bullet/stab-proof tactical vests are to be worn over plain clothes or a police uniform. They stand out as a visible deterrent.
Tactical vests are ideally suited for tactical ops crews due to their modular design. This design allows for easy carrying of service gear. They are also quicker to remove in case an officer is injured on duty for an added layer of safety.
Legacy Level IIIA Tactical Vest
• Highly popular and affordable vests.
• Front shooter’s cut soft armor panel composed of aramid fibers, and dual-threat rated for NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection plus E1 spike/stab protection.
• Optional armor inserts for the back panel (10”x12”), side panels (6”x6”), or both.
• Compact, low weight (under 5lbs fully armored), positively buoyant carrier vest with fully adjustable shoulder straps and quick release hook-and-loop belting.
• Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment [MOLLE] webbing on the front, back, and sides for mounting police gear.
• Legacy's tactical vest comes in 4 colors (black, coyote, green, and gray) as well as half-a-dozen sizes (small to XXXL).
Covert/Tactical Vests
BulletSafe
BulletSafe Bulletproof Vest VP3 Level IIIA - NIJ Certified
• The best value concealable body armor for police/law enforcement officers there is.
• NIJ-certified wrap-around ballistic panels are made from a combination of aramid and polyethylene fibers. These vests are classified as Level IIIA+. They deliver protection against most stab and slash attacks from edged or spiked weapons.
• Small signature, gender-neutral carrier complete with breathable lining. The carrier itself is made of rugged 600 Denier polyester fabric and features a hook-and-loop area for the placement of an identity badge.
• Comes with Action Flex Technology that delivers extra cushioning for an even more flexible and comfortable wear.
• Up for grabs in 8 sizes (XS to 4XL) with vests weighing only 3.39lbs to 6.90lbs.
• The BulletSafe Bulletpfoof Vest can be accessorized with the BulletSafe Tactical Front Carrier.
BulletSafe Tactical Front Carrier
The covert VP3 vest transforms into a tactical vest. It features multiple rows of MOLLE straps to hold police gear like a baton, pepper spray, or stun grenades.
The vest features a minimalist design with a custom spacer mesh that promotes airflow to keep the body cool. Its thin shoulder and side straps make it much less noticeable for discreet wear.
Weighing an average of just 4 pounds, this ultra-lightweight vest delivers comfort without sacrificing protection. It’s available in both black and white.
The vest includes twin KlickFast-compatible docks on the front. These docks are for securely attaching police gear such as body cams and radios.
It also features dual front-facing utility pockets for added convenience. These tactical vests are available in plain black or in yellow, navy blue, or black with high-visibility reflective tape for enhanced safety.
K9 Vests
We can’t overlook armored vests for police dogs. These canine officers are frequently sent ahead during suspect apprehensions, narcotics detection, explosive device searches, fugitive tracking, and search and rescue missions. Protecting these valuable partners is just as important as safeguarding their human counterparts.
Armor Express
The K-9 body armor is favored by German Shepherd Aston of the Evanston Police Department and endorsed by the Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog program. It is a top choice for police dogs. With a wide price range from economical to premium options, the vests are made by one of the top ten body armor manufacturers in the U.S.
This armor brings belly and chest protection. It comes with bullet resistance up to NIJ Levels IIA, II, or IIIA, along with stab and spike protection at Levels 2 or 3. The vest features covered zipper closures to prevent snagging on the dog’s fur and skin. The BOA System with a micro-adjustable dial and hidden cummerbund promises a precise custom fit.
Additional features include front and side insignia patches, a GPS tracking pocket, 3D spacer mesh lining, and an in-line crowd control handle. Available in eight colors—black, coyote, LAPD navy, Multicam, OD green, ranger, tactical gray, and tan 499. The vest comes in alpha sizing to fit a range of K-9 officers.
This K-9 armor is trusted by police departments in Mendon, Abbotsford, Lawrenceville, South Fulton, Pendergrass, Westport, Parma, Austell, and more. It features interchangeable soft armor panels rated for NIJ Level II or IIIA ballistic protection, as well as Level 2 or 3 stab and spike protection.
The carrier vests are lightweight, durable, and ergonomically designed. They weigh up to just 4.4 pounds. A built-in layer of Outlast thermo-tech fabric helps regulate the dog’s body temperature to keep it cool in various conditions. Additionally, the vest includes a flotation-assisted harness for added versatility.
Available in 10 colors and patterns, including Multicam, Multicam black, Multicam alpine, black, navy blue, ranger green, wolf gray, coyote brown, OD green, and blaze orange. The vests offer specially tailored sizing options to come with a perfect fit for every K-9 officer.
PLATE CARRIERS
Concealed Plate Carriers
DL Concealment Plate Carrier & Flex Fused Core Soft Armor Panels
This all-in-one covert plate carrier is highly cost-effective and versatile. It features a bottom-loading design compatible with either 10”x12” or 11”x14” NIJ Level IIIA ballistic-only panels. You can replace the soft armor for enhanced protection with the manufacturer’s own Level III AR500 Omega or Level III+ AR550 hard armor plates.
With its ultra-minimalist, low-profile design, the carrier is constructed from a durable 500 Denier nylon/polyethylene blend. The 4” adjustable elastic cummerbund and 2” shoulder adjustment include integrated mag holders for quick reloading. Available in a range of colors including black, white, tan, Multicam, and OD green, this carrier is built for rugged use and a personalized fit.
Tactical Plate Carriers
Banshee Elite 3.0 Plate Carrier
This world-renowned overt plate carrier is trusted by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) units, and officers of the Los Angeles Police Department during notable incidents. The bottom-loading vest pockets accommodate SAPI or shooter-cut hard armor inserts up to 10”x12”. Whereas, the cummerbund pockets fit two Banshee Elite 3.0 NIJ Level IIIA soft armor inserts.
This carrier offers the perfect balance of mobility, utility, and protection. It's constructed from rip-stop, water-repellent 500 Denier Cordura, with 3D spacer padding on the front, rear, and shoulders. This build helps improve ventilation and reduce pressure points.
The carrier features a laser-cut MOLLE platform on the front, back, and removable cummerbund. It enables you to carry important police gear. Additional features include a 34-inch extendable drag handle, vertical nylon strips for Quick Attach Surface Mount (QASM) chest rig buckles, and a rear hydration pocket that fits a 2-liter bladder. It is available in four colors—black, coyote, ranger green, and Multicam. It comes in small/medium (32”-39”) or large/extra large (39”-46”) cummerbund sizes. This carrier is built for versatility and comfort in the field.
AUXILIARY BODY ARMOR
Ballistic Helmets
Tactical headgear safeguards one of the most vulnerable parts of the body from thrown projectiles, impact weapons, and bullet rounds. For police and law enforcement officers, the head is often the primary target in violent confrontations. Many tactical helmets also feature rail systems for attaching additional equipment, to increase their functionality in the field.
While these helmets aren’t standard issues for regular patrol officers, they are invaluable during active shooter situations. They also come in handy when facing a high risk of violent assault for an extra layer of protection in dangerous moments.
Galvion Batlskin Armor
This advanced combat helmet is used by the Galveston Police Department. It is credited with saving an Orlando SWAT officer from a fatal headshot. Featuring a mid-cut design around the ears, it integrates well with chemical and bio masks, face shields, communication devices, Night Vision Goggles, and other equipment.
The helmet is made from monolithic aramid material with bullet resistance up to NIJ Level IIIA. It’s scalable with modular components, including a front mount and interlocking rails for attaching additional gear. It comes with a set of seven adjustable liner pads for added comfort and protection. It can also be repositioned to optimize weight distribution and fit.
It is available in small (2.54 lbs), medium (2.70 lbs), large (2.89 lbs), and extra large (3.23 lbs) sizes. The helmet comes in Black, Tan 499, or custom colors by special order.
The Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Accessory Rail Combat Helmet (ARCH) features a high-cut design at the ears. It brings ample space for communication gear or hearing protection. It is made from high-grade Dupont Kevlar and offers NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection. The outer layer is coated with polyurea paint, making it resistant to temperature extremes, rain, oil, and other liquids.
It comeswith a rotary dial-adjustable BOA Fit System and a 10-memory foam pad inner lining. The helmet allows for a custom fit while significantly reducing the impact of bullets or other projectiles. Its modular design includes side and front shroud ARC rails. These rails support the attachment of accessories like oxygen or gas masks, Picatinny adapters, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and GoPro action cameras.
Weighing just 2.5 lbs for the helmet alone, it is available in large or extra-large sizes. It comes in six color options: Black, OD Green, Multicam, Multicam Black, Khaki/Sand, and Coyote Brown.
Ballistic Shields
Tactical shields come with an additional safety barrier from potentially armed individuals. It also covers minimizing the exposure of police officers.
Most often, they’re deployed for tactical entry scenarios such as executing search/arrest warrants, hostage rescue, and drug den raids. However, they're also used by anti-riot squads and even police patrol officers first on the scene.
Chase Tactical
This ballistic shield has been adopted by police Special Response Teams (SRTs) across the U.S., the Mexican National Guard, and various law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is constructed from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) ballistic material. It rates at NIJ Level IIIA and is capable of withstanding multiple hits as per NIJ-STD 0108.01 standards.
The shield's exterior is coated with Rhino Extreme 1150FR. It is anti-spall, flame retardant, and weatherproof for enhanced durability. For ease of use, it features an ambidextrous handle for better portability and maneuverability, a quick-release shoulder strap, and a 4"x10" see-through viewport.
Available in six sizes, ranging from 18"x24" (8 lbs) to 24"x51" (17 lbs). The shield presents flexible options based on operational needs. An optional upgrade adds built-in high-power LED lighting on the strike face, increasing its weight by just 2 lbs.
Vector Defensive Systems
This shield is used as a de-escalation tool by the Boston Police Department, Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office, Massachusetts Department of Correction, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Officers from the U.S. Marshal Service and Customs and Border Protection also utilize this shield.
It shields the officer’s centerline, covering the head, neck, and upper chest from bullets, machetes, needles, baseball bats, and even dogs. It is rated NIJ Level III for rifle protection. This highly mobile shield weighs 8 lbs with features such as an energy-dispersing handle, blast-resistant PAXCON coating, and a 3-point retention system to assist in opening doors.
Each purchase includes complimentary electronic training and comes with a lifetime warranty for added value and assurance.
Vector Protective Barrier accessories
The package includes an identifying cover with 3M reflective dazzle strips, a sling, a seat-mounted storage bag, and a tactical flashlight for added functionality.
Trauma Pads
A must-have for police officers. Trauma pads are inserted behind the armor panels of tactical vests and plate carriers. While they don’t provide bullet protection, trauma pads significantly reduce the shock and impact from blunt force trauma. In real-world conflict situations, this added protection buys the wearer valuable time. It enables them to take cover, return fire, or retreat from the scene safely.
AR500 Armor Trauma Pad (Generation II)
The trauma pads feature non-Newtonian fluid that instantly hardens upon impact to reduce back-face deformation. They are available in a single Advanced Shooter’s Cut (ASC) pad in 9”x9”, 10”x12”, or 11”x14” sizes. With an ultra-slim profile of just 0.25" and weighing around 6 ounces, these pads provide enhanced protection without adding significant bulk or weight.
Wrapping up
As law enforcement officers, you never know when you might face a dangerous situation. It could be a routine traffic stop involving a suspect with a concealed knife or a public encounter with a violent criminal wielding a high-powered assault rifle. In these moments, body armor like tactical vests, plate carriers, and other protective gear can be the difference between life and death.
To help ease the financial burden, we offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of body armor and accessories. Plus, every order over $100 from Bulletproof Zone qualifies for free shipping within the continental U.S. and comes with our price match guarantee.
If you're a current or former police officer, we’d love to hear from you! What type of vest or body armor do you use, and how has it performed for you? Share your experience in the comments below!