Church Security Armor

Body Armor and Church Safety

Teams: What You Need to Know

Across the country, churches and houses of worship are taking a hard look at safety. While faith communities are built on trust and welcome, recent events remind us that they can also be vulnerable targets. For some, body armor (bullet-resistant vests) has become part of the conversation about how best to protect volunteer security teams.

But before buying equipment, it’s important to understand what armor can — and cannot — do, and how to choose the right solution for your congregation.

Start with a Vulnerability Assessment

The first step isn’t buying gear — it’s knowing your risks. A vulnerability assessment will help your church identify security gaps and make informed choices. Ohio provides a Security Grant Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet, which covers facility design, entry points, surveillance, lighting, emergency procedures, and more.

Don’t do this alone. Work closely with your local law enforcement to review threats and capabilities. The armor solution your team chooses — whether soft armor, hard plates, or a mix — should be heavily influenced by your assessed threat level and the ability of your team members to carry and use the gear effectively.

Understanding NIJ Ratings

Body armor is rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ):

• Level II / IIIA: Protects against most common handgun rounds. Lightweight and concealable. Examples SafeLife AceLinkArmor RTS (panels that go into a carrier)

• Level III: Rifle-resistant plates that stop common rifle rounds (such as 5.56 and 7.62). Examples SafeLife AceLinkArmor RTS

• Level IV: Highest rating; designed to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds. Examples AR500Armor (carrier seperate) AceLinkArmor RTS

Selecting armor that aligns with your credible threat environment is critical. Over-protection can slow your team down; under-protection leaves them at risk.

Hard Armor vs. Soft Armor

• Soft Armor: Made of flexible fibers. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to conceal under clothing. Best for handgun protection.

• Hard Armor: Rigid plates (ceramic, steel, or composite). Heavier, bulkier, and harder to hide, but designed to stop rifle fire.

The trade-off is visibility, weight, and comfort. For church teams, the decision often comes down to balancing discretion with protection.

Blunt Force Deformation and Trauma Pads

Even if a vest stops a bullet, the energy of the impact can still cause injury — bruising, broken ribs, or internal damage. This is called blunt force deformation, and it’s a particular concern with soft armor.

One way to reduce this risk is by using trauma pads with hard armor carriers. These pads absorb and spread out some of the impact. Importantly, trauma pads are not normally included in armor packages — they are sold as add-ons. They are especially worth considering if your team includes older members or individuals with known bone-related conditions, since reducing blunt trauma can make a life-saving difference.

Coverage and Add-On Options

Most armor provides front and back coverage. Some packages allow for side plates or add-on panels for expanded protection. These improve survivability but increase weight and bulk. Every team must weigh protection against mobility, speed, and discretion.

Practical Considerations for Selection

• The visual message: Does your church want visible armor to deter threats, or a low-profile option that blends in?

• Weight and mobility: Older members may find heavy plates restrictive. Comfort directly affects effectiveness.

• Sustainability: Consider heat, wear, and the ability of volunteers to use armor for extended periods.

• Law enforcement validation: Before making your final decision, have a conversation with your local law enforcement agency. They can help validate your intended solution and provide feedback on how your team’s armor will be perceived in a chaotic scene. This ensures responding officers can quickly distinguish Friend from Foe, reducing confusion and risk when seconds matter.

Funding and Grants

The good news: Armor purchases may qualify under nonprofit security grants. But funding is competitive, and applications are scored on multiple factors — such as whether you’ve completed a vulnerability assessment and if your project supports multiple organizations.

Keep in mind procurement rules:

• Micro-purchase (<$10,000): May not require more than one quote.

• Small purchase ($10,001–$75,000): Typically requires at least three quotes to prove competitiveness.

Always check the specific grant guidance you’re applying under. Knowing the thresholds and documentation requirements before you submit can make the difference between approval and rejection.

Don’t Overlook Medical Preparedness

If your church is preparing for the possibility of violence, you must also prepare for the medical aftermath. Armor may protect your team, but congregation members could still be injured.

One of the most critical risks is massive bleeding. Victims with uncontrolled bleeding can die within minutes — often before EMS arrives. The good news: if a victim reaches the emergency room alive, studies show they have a greater than 95% chance of survival. That means what happens in the first few minutes on scene often makes the difference between life and death.

That’s why every team member should be trained in:

• CPR and AED

• Stop-the-Bleed

Training is available locally:

• Clinton County Health District (CPR & AED) – Contact Katytlyn Justice at (937) 382-2862 ext. 4120

• Free Stop-the-Bleed programs – Available through local EMS districts, CMH Regional, or Kettering Health (Tesha Smith, 937-533-7795)

Just as important is having the tools on hand. Outfit team members with Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) containing tourniquets, wound packing materials, and pressure dressings — and assign more than one person to carry them. Knowing what to do and having the tools to act immediately can save lives.

Closing Thoughts

Body armor can protect your security team, but it isn’t a magic shield. The right solution depends on your threat assessment, your team’s capabilities, and your congregation’s values.

Preparedness goes beyond protective gear. Training, communication, medical readiness, and coordination with law enforcement are what truly save lives.

Your church’s mission is to protect its people. Armor may be part of the answer — but a prepared, trained, and equipped security team will always be the foundation of safety.