Threats classified as non-ballistic are those that are steered, powered, and directed by the person wielding the threat weapon but do not take the form of a projectile. Contrarily, ballistic threats refer to the movement or flight of an object through space. Threatening non-ballistic weapons have no will of their own from the time they are held until they make contact with a target. They consist of things like Lasers, arrows and blades with sharp edges, brass knuckles, pepper spray, and so forth. They are all different kinds of weaponry that need the instruction of the person using them.
The effectiveness of the bulletproof vest will be evaluated in relation to some of the non-ballistic hazards listed:
- Lasers
The penetrative ability of lasers is generally dependent on power, duration, and the local atmospheric condition. Although a short intense pulse of focused light from lasers can burn through most body armour easily, it will only create a wound channel the same diameter as the beam itself
- Knives and Arrows
Stab resistant vests are a totally different body of armour from bullet-resistant vests. Protection from bulletproof vest against stabs is very minimal. Only a stab resistant vest stops a knife or arrow from passing through it. An edged blade can cut through the protective armour of bulletproof vest, hence useless in preventing penetration
- Pepper Spray
While this is largely used as a self-defence weapon, it can constitute a threat to the police also. A bulletproof vest worn to protect the torso is useless in protecting a police officer from getting pepper-sprayed in his eyes by a fleeing suspect.
- Brass Knuckles
Bulletproof vest provides protection from blunt trauma usually resulting from getting hit. The vest protects the centre of the chest but not other exposed parts of the body like the face, if aimed that by an attacker wearing brass knuckles.
For more articles, please click here.
