H.P. White Laboratory, Inc., the world’s largest independent test laboratory of armor and ballistics, announces the Female Body Armor Forum hosted by HP White via webinar on 7 June 2012 at 11AM (EDT). The aim of the forum is to provide an exchange of ideas and insights related to the current National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Body Armor Standard 0101.06 gender designations (male, female or neutral). The forum will explore ways in which education, research, testing and/or standardization can improve female officer wear rates, ergonomics, and safety.
Opening remarks will be provided by Rep. Niki Tsongas (D) of Massachusetts’ 5th District. Rep. Tsongas has distinguished herself as a strong leader when it comes to vying for the best body armor for our war fighters. Most recently, Tsongas authored a number of provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, tripling funding for research related to body armor improvements—with a particular focus on lighter weight body armor and female-specific armor.
A panel of female law enforcement practitioners will be on hand to share their experiences with government and industry personnel who are responsible for defining standards, writing performance requirements, creating new technology, and manufacturing body armor.
While this forum is focused on public safety officers, the issues and solutions for female military personnel are consistent with those in law enforcement and corrections. “For over 75 years HP White has been evaluating armor performance for military and public safety applications,” said Mike Parker, president of HP White. “This forum is a needed venue for tabling the unique and changing needs of women that put themselves in harm’s way. As we have for decades, HP White is committed to opening the dialogue on standards and testing for a changing threat environment and service population.”
To receive a copy of the post-event highlights, please send an email with your contact and affiliation details to info(at)hpwhite(dot)com. Please be sure to include “Female Body Armor Forum” in the subject line.
H.P. White Laboratory, Inc. is an independent ballistics and ballistics resistance laboratory. For 75 years, H.P. White has specialized in research and development, validation testing, certification and quality control evaluations of body and vehicular armor systems, sub-components and materials. H.P. White developed many of the ballistics resistance standards, processes and methods used today to test body and vehicular armor for a full scope of applications (law enforcement, military, personal protection), threats (stab, slice, bullet, explosive), and environments (urban, war time, extreme heat/cold). H.P. White’s services add value throughout the entire supply chain, from research and development processes and product certification to production lot acceptance and post-production quality control. H.P. White serves the needs of Federal, State, Local and Foreign Government agencies, and the manufacturers dedicated to saving lives of law enforcement and war fighters, globally.
