Specifications
Compiled text through Mar 31, 2022
Register checked through Jul 29, 2026
No later Register activity identified in this check.
Dates and status
- Compiling agency
- Executive Department
- Text status
- Source receipt
- Compiled text through
- Mar 31, 2022
- Register checked through
- July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29)
- Activity status
- No later Register activity identified in this check.
- Source snapshot
- Jun 6, 2026
Vests shall be comfortable to wear throughout an entire eight-hour shift, and shall meet the following minimum standards:
(a)Each vest shall be of slip-over or slip-on construction, and shall provide front and back protection.
(b)Side protection or partial side protection may be provided as an optional feature.
(c)Front panels shall cover the entire front of the body except where scooped at the armholes and neck and shall extend into the shoulder area above the collarbone.
(d)Back protection shall have a generally rectangular shape fully covering the back area and with a minimum of scooping at the neck.
(e)Back panels shall be of the same materials and construction as the remainder of the vest.
(f)Back panels shall not overlap or infringe upon the front protection, or the front and side protection, offered by the vest.
(g)Front and back shirttails shall be a optional feature, but, if provided, shall be of integral construction with the vest.
(h)Ballistic panels shall be properly treated to be water repellent.
(i)The length shall be such that, when worn in the sitting position, the vest will not ride up on the wearer.
(j)If shoulder straps are provided, they shall be at least two inches wide at their minimum dimension.
(k)Seams at the top of the shoulder area shall be so constructed as to minimize chafing or other discomfort.
(l)The ballistic panels shall be easily removable to permit laundering of the carrier or cleaning of the ballistic panels.
(m)The neck cutout shall be sufficiently scooped so that the vest is not visible at the open throat of the shirt on a standing officer when the collar is unbuttoned and without a tie.
(n)All seams and stitching shall be consistent with good garment manufacturing processes.
(o)The vests shall contain no metal components.
(p)Threads for all stitching shall not shrink during washing so as to cause puckering of the material.
(q)Each vest shall provide sufficient armhole room so as not to irritate or restrict movement.
(r)Ballistic panels shall lie flat in the carriers without bulging of the carrier at any point or with no more than one-fourth inch of clearance between the carrier and the ballistic panel around the periphery of the panel.
(s)Each vest shall be free from wrinkles, blisters, cracks or fabric tears, crazing, chipped or sharp corners, or other evidences of inferior workmanship.