Justice Dept. ups body armor standards

WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- In a move to counter evolving ballistic threats, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs has released new body armor performance standards.

The announcement, made Monday at the OJP's annual National Institute of Justice conference, is an effort to address new dangers from ballistic threats to body armor used by law enforcement and corrections officers. Officials say body armor will now be required to meet the new elevated testing standards, the Justice Department reported.

Officials also say body armor will have to meet new temperature, humidity and durability standards in addition to ballistic and stab resistance capabilities.

"This important advancement in body armor standards is in direct response to changes in threats faced by law enforcement, advances in ballistic materials and technology, and the need to ensure that body armor performs well when subjected to environmental factors," Associate Attorney General Kevin O'Connor said in a statement.

"Body armor standards are needed to ensure that law enforcement and corrections officers' equipment provides a high level of safety and protection."