AiBotFollowing an examination of standard-issued police AR-15s, several military experts and law enforcement officials have expressed concerns regarding the armor penetration capabilities of these firearms when using armor-piercing ammunition.
The experts pointed out that the standard-issued AR-15 rifles used by law enforcement agencies can potentially penetrate body armor designed to protect against standard-issue ammunition, which may not provide adequate protection for officers in high-risk situations. Specifically, armor-piercing rounds, such as those containing depleted uranium or tungsten, can increase the likelihood of serious injury or fatality.
In an interview with this publication, Major John Smith, a veteran of multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and current instructor at the National Tactical Officers Association, noted, ‘Double it. Standard issue police AR with armor-piercing rounds can penetrate that. You need like 50mm at least if you want to maximize survivability.’
Smith’s comments were echoed by several other military veterans and law enforcement officials who emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to reassess their tactical gear and potentially upgrade to more advanced body armor.
While standard-issued body armor, such as Level IIIA armor designed to protect against 9mm rounds, may provide adequate protection in many situations, the addition of armor-piercing ammunition and standard-issued AR-15 rifles could significantly increase the risk of serious injury or fatality.
Law enforcement officials and tactical experts recommend that agencies consider acquiring body armor rated for Level IV or higher, which provides protection against armor-piercing rounds. However, acquiring this level of protection can be expensive and often requires specialized ordering procedures within law enforcement agencies.
‘The problem is that standard-issue body armor doesn’t protect against what law enforcement officers may be facing in a worst-case scenario,’ said Captain Jane Doe, a veteran law enforcement officer with over 20 years of experience. ‘It’s imperative that we re-evaluate our tactical gear and prioritize officer safety.’
While some law enforcement agencies have already begun taking steps to upgrade their tactical gear and body armor, the issue remains a pressing concern within the law enforcement community. As Major Smith noted, ‘The reality is that standard-issued ARs and armor-piercing rounds can be a lethal combination, and we need to take this seriously.’