Smart Bulletproof Vest Tested for U.S. Police Officers

In Montgomery County, Virginia, a new smart bulletproof vest is being tested for police officers. This innovative vest not only provides protection but is also equipped with an instant alert system. If an officer is injured, the smart armor immediately sends a signal to 911.

How the Smart Vest Works

The vest features a special sensor, which is a thin film placed on the outside of the bulletproof vest. Conductive ink is used to draw lines on the film. If the vest is damaged, these lines break, triggering a continuous emergency signal. This signal includes GPS coordinates, the officer’s name, and personal medical information such as blood type and any allergies.

The sensor consists of front and back panels, each divided into upper and lower zones. If the officer is wounded, the system identifies the exact area of damage (front upper, front lower, back upper, or back lower).

Signal Transmission and Notification

The signal from the sensor is transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone running Android, if the officer has one. If not, the signal is sent to the officer’s radio. From there, the alert is forwarded to the command center and to 911 within seconds.

About the Automatic Injury Detection System

The system is called Automatic Injury Detection (AID) and was developed by Select Engineering Services and DataSoft Corp. The developers note, “When you’re attacked, you reach for your weapon, not your radio or phone.” The smart vest is designed to be the only way for an injured officer to call for help, ensuring the department is notified almost instantly.

Future Plans and Adoption

Before mass production begins, the manufacturer will make necessary adjustments based on test results. However, police departments in four more Texas counties are already planning to acquire these smart vests.