Dyneema, a leading provider of protective equipment, has released the results of a survey of law enforcement professionals in the United States. The survey found that comfort and maneuverability are increasingly important factors in the purchasing decisions for body armor solutions, and that there is a preference for American-made protective equipment.
Chuck Rutkowski, Regional Business Manager at Avient Protective Materials, commented on the survey results, stating that Dyneema is committed to developing innovative materials that protect against current and emerging threats, and that the company is focused on meeting the needs of law enforcement officers as they work to protect communities.
The survey ran from September 1-29, 2022, and respondents varied in experience level, rank, agency size and general demographic.
According to a survey of law enforcement professionals in the United States, 74% of respondents ranked “comfort” as their top criteria for selecting body armor. Weight and flexibility were identified as the most impactful factors in determining the comfort level of armor, while 46% of respondents said the comfort of the vest would cause them to take it off while on duty. Another 25% cited weight and flexibility as reasons for taking off the vest, while 76% of respondents said heat would cause them to remove their bullet resistant vest.
Comfort Most Important Factor
Chuck Rutkowski, Regional Business Manager at Avient Protective Materials, noted that comfort is not a luxury for law enforcement officers, as it directly impacts their performance and protection on the job. He also highlighted that the strength of Dyneema materials allows for the production of lighter and thinner vests, which can lead to reduced wearer fatigue and improved situational awareness, response times, and cognitive and tactical performance.
Made in USA
According to a survey of law enforcement professionals in the United States, almost half (49%) strongly agreed that they would prefer protective gear that is made in the USA. An additional 30% of respondents agreed with the statement. Dyneema is a US-based company that manufactures its products from start to finish in Greenville, North Carolina, ensuring quality and consistency of supply with no dependency on foreign materials or supply chain issues.
The company’s body armor solutions meet military standards and are designed to protect law enforcement officers from a wide range of threats. Chuck Rutkowski, Regional Business Manager at Avient Protective Materials, commented on the survey results, stating that understanding the needs of law enforcement is the top priority for Dyneema and that the company hopes the insights will guide department purchasing across the country. He emphasized the importance of lightweight, comfortable, and American-made protection for law enforcement officers.