In August 24, the NIJ issued its Third Status Report

to the Attorney General on Body Armor Safety Initiative Testing and Activities, which included the results of recent tests conducted by the NIJ on used Zylon®-containing body armor. The report indicated that the NIJ is immediately suspending previously awarded certifications of all Zylon®-containing models of body armor. The NIJ also encouraged all law enforcement officers to continue wearing their Zylon® -containing vest until they have the opportunity to obtain a replacement.

“Armor Holdings is singularly committed to the cause of officer safety,” said Scott O’Brien, President of Armor Holdings Products Division, “and we believe, based on our extensive testing and research, that our vests are safe and fit for use by officers in the field. These products have been previously approved and certified by the NIJ, and validated through our own used vest testing program. However, now that the NIJ has announced its intentions to de-certify Zylon®-containing bullet proof vests, we have decided to discontinue the use of Zylon® and assist our customers, consisting of police officers and law enforcement agencies who now find themselves wearing body armor that is not compliant with NIJ standards.”