Entering a potentially dangerous situation often calls for up arming; are you armoring up in those same situations?

A recent incident in Massachusetts ended in the death of an officer by his own gun. Officer Michael Chesna was shot ten times with is own weapon after a car chase turned into a foot race in a neighborhood south of Boston. Officer Chesna was struck in the head with a rock and then the assailant grabbed Chesna’s gun and proceeded to shoot multiple times while standing over the officer.

The tragic details of this incident point to an ever-increasing danger officers are facing: the threat of attack from his or her own weapon.

We know it’s not something you want to think about, but are you fully prepared to face your own weapon? Meaning, would your body armor protect against whatever weapon you’re carrying?

Armor Up when Up Arming

Most officers likely have Level IIIA protection either in a soft armor vest or lightweight body armor plate insert, which will protect against most handgun weaponry. But, if you’re up arming – from a handgun to a rifle, for example – because you’re approaching a more serious or even an active-shooter situation, you need to “armor up.”

Your body armor should, at a minimum, match the threat level of your own weapon. When you choose to up arm to a rifle that means the threat you’re addressing requires a higher-powered weapon. And when that’s the case, you should be protected against that threat.

Be Ready Every Time

When faced with this type of circumstance, think “up arm, then armor up” every time. The only way to serve and help others is for you to be alive and safe, so put yourself in the best possible position to make that happen.

Here’s a great video addressing the question “What body armor should I wear?”

If you have questions about different types of body armor, we’d love to help. Please give us a call at 800-986-0795 or contact us here.